So this morning, I’ got a ride back to Clingman’s Dome from Nathan and Gloria on their way out of town. MotMot and Zeba also headed back today and had an hour-ish head start on me. We’d planned to arrive at the same location for the evening – Ice Water Shelter. I got off to […]
Month: April 2015
Day 37-38: Update – Photos and Videos
Ok everyone, just a short update to inform you that I’ve completed posting the photos and videos from Days 28 thru 38. Some of you rely on e-mail notifications only, and if you do, you won’t get the photos and videos. As such, I’m providing a direct link to the previous posting that I’ve updated. […]
Day 37-38: Zeros in Gatlinburg, TN and Photos and Videos
Nathan, Gloria and I have had an awesome time in Gatlinburg, TN.We’ve ridden the Ober Gatlinburg tram car to the top of a mountain. We’ve ridden down that same mountain on an Alpine Sled Ride, which is a bobsled type of ride. We’ve visited the Ripley’s Aquarium. We’ve eaten at several really good local restaurants. […]
Day 36: Silers Bald Shelter to Clingman’s Dome
I made it to Clingman’s Dome and to Gatlinburg, TN! Mother nature was relatively kind to me today, not dropping an single rain drop on me. For that, I was most happy. The skies sure looked like rain though, and so I was expecting it all the time. The view from the observation tower at […]
Day 35: Derrick Knob Shelter to Silers Bald Shelter
Well, today was not much better than yesterday. In fact, it was worse. I’ve only come 5.7 miles today. The rain was just as relentless as yesterday. I had the grand plan this morning of busting out 10.5 miles and finishing atop Clingmams Dome. Once there I was going to call for a shuttle or […]
Day 34: Russell Field Shelter to Derrick Knob Shelter
Since being on the trail, it has never felt better to be warm, dry and in my bag than right now. I was sopping wet all day long from the weather and trail conditions. Today may well be the most miserable I’ve been since my hike started. Let’s start with the weather. The Smokies are […]
Day 33: Birch Spring Gap to Russell Field Shelter
Guess what everyone?!? I’ve broken with my tent only policy and am camping in a shelter tonight! M’mot, Zeeba and I left camp this morning at about 8am. We decided to stop at Mollies Ridge Shelter to have a hot brunch. To facilitate getting out of camp quickly, I even delayed my coffee until brunch! […]
Day 32: Fontana Dam Shelter to Birch Spring Gap
I am back in my home away from home. My tent and portable sleep system. It’s so nice and cozy and the sound of the rain on the tent is soothing. I was originally planning on leaving really early and covering the 10 miles to the first shelter. However, M’mot and Zeeba were not leaving […]
Day 31: Fontana Road Crossing to Fontana Dam Shelter
Wait a minute… wasn’t this supposed to be a zero day in Fontana Village? Why is there a from/to designation in the post title??? For the answer, read on… This morning started with breakfast at the Mountainview Restaurant here at the Fontana Lodge. M’mot, Zeeba and I had arranged this the previous night at dinner. […]
Day 30: Stecoah Gap to Fontana Road Crossing
Shuttle Steve dropped me off at Stecoah Gap at 8am on schedule. I was physically and mentally ready to conquer my first 15 mile day. In fact, I committed to it. Steve advised if I were to stay in the Fontana Lodge as planned, I should play it safe and make a reservation. So that’s […]