Based on Rand McNally and Josh’s advice, we took a slight detour and continued down the AT. We reached Shuckstack a few minutes into our hike. We climbed the side trail. A smokestack and the fire tower greeted me. I saw Nutty Cowboy sitting there waiting for me with the sunshine raining down on him as I turned the bend. We shed out packs and ate lunch. During our respite, we climbed up the old rickety fire tower.
The incredible panoramic views made up for the rainstorm and mist on Gregory Bald. Fontana Lake sits to the south. Gregory Bald and Brier Lick Knob rises to the north. Clingman’s Dome looms on the western horizon. Simply beautiful. We lounged there and soaked it all in. 
As we prepared to leave, a father and son from California arrived. We chatted with them. It’s great to father and son do things together as adults. I hope I my relationship with my future children will be similar. We met another hiker resting contemplating going up to the fire tower. We told him it’s worth the short hike. I want to come back for the fall colors in the Smokies.
The fire tower slowly decays. It would be a shame to lose the fire tower. The captivating views on the tower inspired me to seriously considering a hike thru of the Appalachian Trail. With the traffic it gets each summer, I hope a group gets organized to take the time and energy to restore and preserve this treasure with public and private funds.
Scattered storms came and went. We threw on our rain gear when it started coming down hard. Lucky Foot realized Nutty Cowboy’s gear wasn’t water proof. It was a water resistant softshell. Oh well. At least he looked ‘official’ and it work well what we experienced. It went from raining to sunny within minutes.
Halfway through our hike to campground 92, we plunged into a rainforest. Streams flowed every which way. Humid air clung to our lungs. Tall trees around us. Nice. I don’t have have to fly to the Amazon for this experience.
We followed Twentymile Creek until we arrived at Campground 92. It was the most sensual campsite so far. Long Hungry Ridge Trail cuts right through the middle of 92. Nestled between Greer Creek and Twentymile Creek, water roared over both entrances to the campground. Crossing the streams were a breeze with our Gore-Tex lined boots. We followed our routine. 
I pitched the tent. Lucky Foot and Nutty Cowboy prepared the food. We hung our damp gear yo dry but the humidity denied us. Nothing eventful happened that evening. Our tired bodies took hold of our spirits. We did our business and went to bed.
We needed sleep. Tomorrow, we head back to Twentymile Ranger Station and do some front country camping at Elkmont Campground.
