All Done with Old Smokey

Consulting my book of trail maps.

The past few days have gotten me through the rest of the Smokey Mountains and Great Smokey Mountains National Park. It's a good thing too, because it was starting to become rather troublesome territory. The park is very remote, especially in the later half of it, with very few overnight options and even less options for replenishing water. Not to mention the fact that horses are allowed on huge chunks of the AT in this area, and dodging manure every 50 yards is...less than fun. But it was definitely beautiful terrain, with some of the highest elevations and best views on the entire AT. And we got to see it in all kinds of weather. The first day of this stretch, when we headed out from Newfound Gap, was chilly and cloudy, but pleasant. We quickly realized how the Smokey Mountains got their name...

A eerie but beautiful, and very "Smokey" view.

Made it about 10 miles the first day after a late start and a huge pancake breakfast in town with the Trail Angel Mamma, so that was good progress. Highlight of that day was seeing a weasel pop up out of some tree roots and look right at us. Adorable, in a sneaky sort of way. The second day started out in a refreshing fog that transformed into a light but steady and drenching rain. Initially, I was fine with this, since a little rain keeps things cooled off. However, I quickly regretted my incredibly stupid decision to leave the fraying toe boxes on my hiking boots unrepaired for just a day too long. Rookie mistake. Needless to say, a frayed toe box pretty much ruins the "waterproof" aspect of the boots, and they were soon full of muddy water. There is probably nothing more miserable on the trail than boots full of muddy water. Rookie mistake. Luckily, I have another pair to wear while these are being repaired. Even though the muddy sludge in my shoes made me unhappy, it wasn't hard to see that the rain is what transforms the Smokies into the otherworldly paradise they are, and it was still beautiful, once I looked around long enough to notice something besides the mud.

Ankle deep in mud, surrounded by flowers.

And the sun always comes back out, eventually.

After 15 miles in the mud on day #2 and 7 miles on day #3, we got to the next rendezvous point and were, as always, so happy to see the Trail Angel Mamma. UJ and the Trail Sister, home from her first year of college, were there too, which was great. We all walked up the trail about 200 yards to enjoy the beautiful waterfall at Pigeon River, and then headed out for a lunch of broasted chicken, showers, rest and even a Magic Show in town complete with monkeys and tigers (oh my?). Getting through the Smokeys, especially on Memorial Day weekend, is a big milestone I'm proud to have behind me. Valuable lessons learned, more experience to be gained.

The whole family at Pigeon River.

Quote of the Day: "Bear-Horse!" -Daddy and I, every time we had to step over a pile of manure, which was about every 3 minutes, it seemed.