I am going to combine the 2nd and 3rd since I didn't have service to post on the 2nd.
April 2...
This morning started out well other than the fact I forgot to reset my alarm from Fontana. I didn't make it out of camp until 9. I hauled the first 8 miles to Russell Field Shelter and ate lunch. At the shelter were two gentalmen from Chattanooga out for a day hike. The older guy had hiked some 600 of the 800 miles of trails within the Smokies. That is pretty impression. I had no idea there were that many trails within the park. As at lunch, I checked out the trail journal in the shelter. The rest of the crew had stayed there 30th. Dark Star and Danger Mouse had both left entries to the effect of missing me within the group. It was cool to read that.
After lunch I made it to Spence Field in pretty good time too. However, my pace really deminished afterwards. Also at SF I can across what appeared to be parents and a kid. As I passed, the lady asked me if I had seen two boys. I told them no. She seemed a little distraut. I hope that the two boys are not missing.
Rocky Top was after Spence Field. I stopped and spoke with a trail volunteer on the way up. He was adding some rocks and a small path to divert rain water (to minimize erosion). We spoke for awhile, and I then moved on. The view was pretty spectacular on top of Rocky Top. I also briefly spoke with some Univ. of Cinny kids out for a hike. I asked if they were on spring break, and one of the girls responded with, "No, we just decided to skip class." That's a long drive to skip class.
Thunderhead was the next mountain after Rocky Top, and it also brought with it rugged terrain and snow/slush on the ground. It took me a while to get over that. I think I got to the top of Thunderhead around 2:30. That left me plenty of time to make it to 10 miles to Silers Bald Shelter. However, it took me almost as hours to go the next 4 miles. It was crazy. To add to it, I feel the white blazes indicating the trail were nonexistant. Normally I will come across 8 to 10 in a mile. I feel like there wasn't a single blaze for over a mile or two. A little nervous, I checked my map. Luckily only the AT goes over Thunderhead so I figured I had to be on the correct trail.
I finally made it into Derrick Knob Shelter feeling pooped and 5.5 miles short of where I wanted to be. The shelter is packed. Therefore, I am in my tent. As I mentioned in my last post, the Smokies are strict when it comes to camping. I think there are a few weekenders staying here and some of the might have been given a fine for not staying at the shelter they reserved. The shelter is probably the nicest I have seen. It just got an update over the last year. They added more benches to sit around and cook on as well as put in sky lights. On a clear night that has to be amazing.
I am going to wrap up with the last 24 hours have been filled with animals. I knew the Smokies we supposed to be cool, but I have already seen deer, tons of birds, squirrals, chimpmucks, turkey, salamanders, and a huge owl. The owl flew towards me and landed on a branch about 15 yards ahead. He just stared at me. I tried to get a few pictures. Not wanting it to take my head off with its talons. I banged my hiking poles together and yelled. It flew off, but kept checking me out. As for other animals, no sighting of a bear or shasquatch. I'm good with not seeing or coming in contact with a bear. Harry from Harry and the Hendersons is a different story.
Off to bed. Needing to put in 18 miles to get to US 441. I'll be hitching into Gatlinburg from there. Perhaps Michelle will be there to pick me up.
Buenas noches, amigos.
April 3...
During the night the wind was terrible. If I hadn't had known the weather forecast then I would have thought a major thunderstorm was about to com through. Leaves were geting blown up under my rain fly and stuck between the fly and the tent. Once I got up to pack up my tent a whole pile of leaves had formed on the one side of my tent.
I had my alarm set for 6 in order to try to get moving by 7. However, the wind made my air pad feel like one of those 50 cent message beds throughout the night, and I ended up not getting up until 7 and out of the camp until after 8.
The first 7 miles were not that bad. I stopped at both of the shelter during these miles to rest. At the Silers Bald Shelter I met two girls, Jessica and Caroline. The were from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and just out hiking while on Easter break. The offered some Easter chocolates and jolly ranchers. I accepted and moved on. This is when the snow began.
I was about two miles out from Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the AT at 6,643 feet. The snow was probably just a few inches deep going up the mountain, but it definitely slowed progress. I made it to the top around 1. The road leading up to the top that normal park visitors would take was still closed until May 1st, so the top was deserted. I hiked the extra few tenths of a mile to the observation deck. I got up there planning to eat lunch, but I was so worried about getting through the snow and the 8 miles to Newfound Gap that I just took so quick pics and rolled on. Coming down the mountain was 50 times worse with the snow. At some points I would say the snow drifts were 3 to 5 feet high. I would be walking and then next thing I know I would fall through the snow up to my waist. I tried to take it easy to protect my shin and keep my feet dry. After about 10 minutes though I had fallen through enough snow and splashed in snow melt causing my feet to be soaked.
2 or so miles after Clingmans I came across a guy who was trying to hike up to the top. I asked how the snow going down was and he asked how much futher to the top. He argued that it wasn't 2 miles, but I think I was right. He definitely was prepared, and I even got a thought that he was going to jump me for dry clothes, a tent, and a sleeping bag. He had on some cheap rain gear, a fanny pack, and tennis shoes. He mentioned that he was going to try to make it to the top and then take the road back down to Newfound Gap. It was now early afternoon and that was 10 more miles with 2 of those still uphill through really thick snow. He also said that he might just sleep at the observation tower if need be. Brother, I hate to tell you, but the observation deck is not protected from the elements, its at a high elevation, you have no tent and sleeping bag, and the forecast called for a chance of storms. I hope it made it down.
The next 6 miles down were pretty slow too. I knew Michelle and Carrie were supposed to pick me up between 4 and 6 at Newfound Gap which is the only road crossing in the Smokies. Not sure if I was going to make it time, I found a cell signal and called Michelle. I told her I would end up getting to the road no matter what time it was. I am not going to lie; I did have times when I thought about bushwacking through the woods to the road leading up to Clingmans and just taking it down. I fought those off even though my feet were frozen and I was exhausted.
It was about 5:30 when I saw an older gentleman walking up the trail. I asked if he had come from the Gap and how the trails were from here on. He said he did come from the Gap and the trails were still spotty with snow about 6 inches deep. I knew that if he was still hiking then I would be fine on making it to Michelle. As I walked off, he gave me a heads up that three ladies were doing trail maintenance just over the hill.
I met the first lady and began talking to her. She mentioned she was out helping her twin daughters who were responsible for trail maintenance for this particular area. She also mentioned they thru hiked last year. It is really cool to see how people give back to the trail and the time they give to upkeep. A few minutes later, her daughters walked up the trail. They went by the trail names Ms. Scarlett and Newt. They instantly offered trail magic in the form of cookie dough, fruit, and honey buns. I got some cookie dough and an apple. We spoke for a little bit, and I went on my way. They were awesome to speak with.
The conversation and food cheered me up. I eventually made it to Newfound Gap just in time to not see Michelle and Carrie. I tried calling each of them, but no answer. So I just sat. Soon a man and his two kids stopped by. He started asking questions about the trail and my pack. The Ms. Scarlett and Newt showed up. They asked if I needed a ride or if I had spoken with Michelle. I told them she should be there shortly. Again, they offered more food and a root beer. I took them up on the root beer. A few minutes later Michelle and Carrie got there. The girls offered them food and drinks too. Knowing that I now had a ride, Ms. Scarlett, Newt, and their mom headed on. If the three of yall ever get a chance to read this blog, thanks for helping to cheer up my day, taking the time to offer trail magic to hikers, and giving your time to give back to the trail.
Michelle, Carrie, and I headed toward Gatlinburg. I got a message from Stickerbush saying him and Danger Mouse were still in Knoxville at DM's grandmothers. I called them to see if I could head that direction for the evening. M, C, and I ate at Calhouns on the River. I had no problem taking down prime rib, a house salad, and a mega mug of beer. M and C dropped me off at DM's grandmothers. I stayed here last night. We are planning to head out later today for a short day. I hope to catch back up to Will and Super Mike shortly. If anyone knows where they are, let me know.
Happy Easter to all. The Lord has risen!
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