THE MAGICAL SMOKIES pt 1

Preamble

We really had no clue what to expect with the Smokies. We were absolutely unprepared to fall in love with this place but we fell hard. I was worried we would climb and climb and climb and never descend. Russ didn't expect anything more than the typical NC mountains he was familiar with and we were both surprised.
Day 26 4/17/17

• Miles traveled: 12
• Shelter: Derrick Knob Shelter
• High point: Rocky Top and Thunderhead Mountain Views
• Low Point: the last mile, uphill, in a thunderstorm

The morning was nice. Sleeping on a flat surface was also nice. We haven't been staying in shelters too much because they have been full or there have been mice. If there is room in the shelter in the Smokies then we are required to stay. We woke up to three deer within 10 feet of the shelter. It was surreal. Me, puffy-sleepy-face (thanks pollen) trying to get a selfie with a deer.

One person in the shelter saw a bear last night and another couple said they saw a panther-like cat this morning. It's still hard to believe but it apparently people believe them to be around. There just isn't much proof. We saw another bunny.

We started to climb early. It was a long day in the Smokies. The rain was on and off and although the terrain looked alright it was very sharp climbs and descents. The views were unique with the clouds and mountain tops.

There are a lot of people in the shelter tonight because of the rain. More people are tenting outside. It smells like poop in here too. I'm certain everyone walked through poop and then came in here tonight. It's not a surprise there is norovirus going around. We are doing everything in our power NOT to get Noro. The ridge runners employed by the ATC are reminding everyone to wash your hands with soap and water and do not share food or much else.
Day 27 4/18/17

• Miles traveled: 13.5
• Shelter: Mt Collins Shelter
• High point: highest point on AT & 200 miles
• Low Point: rain, rain, rain

Overall it was a good day.
Started out dry but we walked in rain all morning. We passed a few shelters and took very quick snack breaks so we wouldn't lose any body heat. We trudged on. The trail turned into a river and then a mud hole.

We passed a few overlooks with nothing to see but white clouds. We walked in clouds all day. When the fog would lift for just a moment we would scan the forest.

We climbed up to Clingmans dome, the highest point on the AT and then on to Mt Collins for shelter.
The little black dot is Russ running to the top of Clingmans Dome tower.

The view. Womp womp. ☹️


We crossed the 200 mile mark and we ran into Raggedy (Andy) and Karma. They are some of our original trail family from before we took time off to rest the ankle. It was so nice to see familiar faces again!!

We love the Smokies. They are filled with mystery, fog, and fir. The smell is awsome. I even suggested to Russ that he might take a few branches and rub them under his arms. 😳