Into the Smokies and Out

Well, myself and others hiked through North Carolina where we saw our first black bear, a very young adult - a little guy. I was also introduced to ramps, wild onions that have a bit of a garlicy taste - yumm. I also learned about may apples and wintergreen. The weather continued to be a bit chilly for me, but I'm used to it now ... 50 degrees is tank top and shorts weather. We made it to Fontana Dam, NC (the dam where "The Fugitive" was filmed), which marks the southern boundary for the Smokey Mountain National Park. After taking a day off due to bad weather, we headed out and made it about 2 miles until my hiking partner twisted his knee. It was back to Fontana for us. A week later his knee was feeling better, but he and another former thru-hiker decided they wanted to stay there another week to catch a bluegrass festival. For me, it was time to go, so I headed out into the Smokies on my own on May 4th for the 70 mile trek through the park. Luckily, the Smokies were not too smokey and I had fabulous weather for the 4 days it took me to cross them. I also caught up with lots of other AT hikers that I know (I know just about everybody 2 weeks ahead of me and 1 week behind me). No one is ever really alone on the trail. Gnormal, Jefe, and I finished up the Smokies together. If you've never seen them, then you have to go. I saw lots of wildlife (rabbits, deer, birds, etc.), but no bears. I never really knew which state I was in as the trail follows the Tennessee/North Carolina border. I stood on the peak of Rocky Top, Tennessee (as in the song). I also hit the highest point of the Smokies and the entire trail, Clingman's Dome, on Dad's birthday (May 5th). I even got a birthday call through to him from the tower - at 6500 feet you would hope to get some kind of service! The wildflowers are carpeting the ground in every color. I wish everyone could see it. After four days (23mi, 14mi, 20mi, and 18mi - I don't care who you are - that's good) I left the Smokies behind. I will definitely return to them.

A day after exiting the Smokies I got to stand on top of the world. I climbed to the top of Max Patch, NC. At 4629 ft it's not the highest point I'll hit, but it's like standing on top of the world. It's a large bald on top of the mountain - think "The Sound of Music" intro scene. I sat there for an hour with a grin on my face ear-to-ear. Due to the weather, I couldn't cowboy camp on top so I headed on. I made it into Hot Springs, NC where I am now in a day and a half. I've showered and feel almost human again. I'd write more, but the outfitter is closing and I've got to wrap it up - the library in town is already closed. I'm out of here in the morning and might be back in touch in 4 or 5 days. Take care everyone. Sorry I haven't had cell service in a couple of weeks and have no access to a ground phone here. I'll call people the first chance I get.

Again, Happy Birthday Dad! I love you.

Sorry no pictures are accompanying this post, but the computer I'm on is apparently a throwing a bit of a tantrum. Next chance I have I'll post a bunch of photos.