Starting location: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Ending location: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 10.8
Miles total: 204.7
Today we reached Clingmans Dome. Clingmans Dome is the highest peak on the entire Appalachian Trail at 6643 feet above sea level and is the 2nd highest peak east of the Mississippi (Mt. Mitchell is 41ft higher). So it is all downhill from here...right?
As we approched Clingmans Dome we went through a thick forest of frasir furs. Kristen proceeded to sing Christmas Songs because it smelled like Christmas. She is so funny.
Believe it or not, but we actually had to track through snow today. As we climbed down from Clingmans, we hit patchs of 3.5 feet of snow. It was very hard and compact which made it easier to hike through. This emphasizes the important point of a thru hiker's start date. If we started just 2 weeks earlier, Clingmans would be completely covered in 4 to 6 feet of snow and would have been very difficult to pass.
We reached Newfound Gap at 1pm and got a ride into Gatlinburg, TN which was about 14 miles away. In Gatlinburg, we met up with some other thru hikers at a local brewery and had a large lunch and some great beer. We also went to the local grocery store and outfitter to resupply for 5 days until we reach Hot Springs, NC.
Tonight it is American Idol and Glee. Back on trail tommorrow. Stand by.
Clingmans Dome
On top of Clingmans Dome
Conan + Backwards
5 comments:
Yay!! Welcome to Tennessee :) If we weren't at the other end of the state (in Memphis) I would most def be stopping by the trail to leave some magic ;) Loving the blog ... I read every single day and am SO stinking thankful there have been only mice thus far ... and not bears!
-Heather
Can't believe you went through snow today! Hope you loved Glee (Kristen)--I have the first season from Netflix waiting for me since I missed a few! So excited for you both. Love, Passa
Guys, we are loving the blog. I sent out an email to the Bible Study ladies to check out the blog and to continue to pray daily for your good health and safety. So.....you are lifted right on up past Rocky Top. Wow, can not believe you encountered snow there. Will tune in tomorrow. Have you as a bookmark.
wow! y'all are doing great :) Did Kristen also request a Gin and Tonic near Clingmans Dome...also smells like Christmas! xoxo
I am so glad I was able to give you two a ride into Gatlinburg. What a pleasure it was to meet you both. I hope you enjoyed the moonpies.
May Katahdin bring you fair weather!
Wildflower
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