Seven Islands..Wildlife Refuge area

   In knox County Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge area seems like a "world away" from the city, but it is actually only 8.5 miles from downtown knoxville.   33 folks came out for this Get on the Local Trail hike and the sunflowers next to the parking lot made for a colorful backdrop for our start.  The trails are neat mowed grass trails and after a short climb you have views where a sign points out where Leconte is and bullhead trails in the Smokies.    Then you see a little pond (shumpert pond) and cut thru the woods to a penninsula where a bench is placed.    In 2009-10 you could catch a glimpse on occasion of a Bald Eagle but not in the last 6 months.   Trails wind along the French Broad and old barns painted with the App Trail quilts on their sides until an old farm house that is maintained for a property manager.    This is off midway exit and on Kodak road, close to River Islands Golf Course.   18 of us then enjoyed a 2 mile drive down to Tuckahoe market for a home cooked meal .