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 hitch to Gatlinburg a day early.
The trail conditions were so bad today that I simply could not make progress. Imagine every single step is like stepping on an inclined slip-n-slide. That’s exactly what hiking today and yesterday has been like. It has been downright awful.
The way I feel right now, I am done with this trail. But I know that’s not permanent. After my town stay and visiting with my cousin and his girlfriend, I will be recharged and ready to finish the smokies. Trust me, they’re going to get a special one finger salute when I pass that “leaving the great smoky mountain national park” sign.
ATC needs to seriously consider an alternate routing around this park. It’s not just the rain, it’s the trail conditions. Put the two of them together and it’s a miserable mess.
So tomorrow, I strike out of here for Clingmams Dome. It’s about 5 miles from here so would normally take about 2 hours. But I know it’s going to be raining it’s ass off and will be another miserable day of hiking. It will probably take 100 hours instead.
Clingmams Dome is supposed to be awesome since it’s the highest point on the trail. The view is supposed to be amazing. But I won’t get a view because the weather will suck ass. Clingmams Dome only represents a way to Gatlinburg for me right now.
Wandering on…
Mojo
Hang in there Mojo. You are doing awesome.
I’ve thought about you being in all this rain, since I’m still in Middle TN trying to get a home and property that’s been in our family 3 generations ready to sale. Never seen this much rain and it just won’t quit. Step off rocks in the back and I sink to my ankles in rain water! I don’t think you’ll have sunny skies until next Tues., but then you’ll have 4-5 straight sunny days so that’s good news! You might want to ice that knee when you get to town and lots of Vit I. Misery likes company so keep sharing your wonderful AT stories! You’re quite a talented writer, Mojo!
Kelly, Gatlinburg is the Myrtle Beach of the mountains. Enjoy !!!!!!!!!!
Jack
Keep truckin’ Kelly! I am sure you’ve read “A Walk in the Woods” and may recall the author’s similar experience in the Smokies! He took a cab from there to VA! You will be grateful when you are in VA on the ridges. Remember the only thing outside that trail are stripmalls, movie theaters, chain restaurants and 40 hour work weeks. You are in a better place.