The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Day 1

With five in our group, one member went a day ahead and would meet us later and Chef was kenneled, we set off for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We were welcomed with a thunder storm. For some reason we all decided we would just stick it out, get wet, and just throw pack covers on. After being completely soaked in the downpour, I looked up at the sky and yelled "throw some hail at us too!". I was quickly reminded not to test God. Boots filled with water and body covered in goose bumps from the cold rain we made it to the shelter. Having a dry pair of clothes and a warm meal was just what we all needed.

The first day wasn't all bad. We got to look back on Fontana Dam (where we started from that day).

Day 2

I hiked in my keen sandals because my boots were completely soaked. It turned out be not that bad of a day (didn't rain, good views). I did get new blisters on my feet from the sandals. 

Rocky Top Tennessee

Day 3

Turkeys were gobbling all morning and and actually came through camp. It seemed to be a good morning for everyone. Majority of the day's hike was to Clingmans Dome. The total mileage that day was 13 and my feet were hurting so bad when I got to camp, I was in tears. Luckily I was able to set up my tent before it really started raining. It rained all night and into the morning.

The hike to Clingmans Dome was almost like being in a fairytale land.

Day 4

After taking pain killers and putting on my wet socks and boots, hiking wasn't to bad despite the previous night's pain. I don't think my sandals gave me the support I needed for the terrain. The weather was foggy and drizzly all day. We were able to see a few views from the ridges. Walking on the ridge was pretty crazy. A look to the left and you can only see a couple yards out because of the dense fog. A look to the right and you see miles and miles of mountains framed by rolling fog. We put in 15 miles which was my longest day yet.

A look to the left.

A look to the right.

Day 5

Even after my longest day, my legs and feet felt pretty good. We arrived at the shelter around 4 o'clock and saw signs that read "Caution, active bear shelter". An older gentleman had a picture of one on his camera from just a few hours earlier. 

Day 6

We all survived a cold and bearless night and woke up extra early to pump out the last 10 miles of the Smokies. I left by 7am and had reached the edge park by 10:30am (there was hail covering the ground for most of the way out). It was only about 2.5 miles to the hostel. The 6 of us all split a cabin, got showers, ate hot food, washed clothes and relaxed for the later half of the day. Chef was dropped off at about 7 that evening. I'm not sure who was more excited about the reunion.