Last days in the Smokies

The penultimate say wasn't as wet as the day before. It was mostly just damp. There isn't much to say of it. That night, though, the heavens opened again.

The final day started well enough. I had slept warm and dry, and the weather was comfortable and cool. Views were non existant though.

I made it out and went to look at Standing Bear. 'tis a commune. They give you a slip of paper upon which you write any purchases, and then pay at the end. It was also dark, rank and nasty looking. I didn't stay. So I pushed on, to have a long day. Longer than I expected. Halfway up Snowbird, the heavens opened again. A deluge. I was walking through streams again like the last couple of times it stormed. Not wanting to face setting up camp in the rain, I ended up pushing to the next shelter. Including side trips to Mt Cammerer, whose good view I did not get, I did  20miles. Maybe more. I am exhausted.

It's all downhill from here

We made it to the highest point at about five o'clock! Woo! Its all downhill from here, technically anyway...
It was a rather lovely day and hike, and the wood was lovely. Many firs and other trees reminding me of home for whatever reason.
Clingman's Dome is about 6600 feet up. The views were amazing.

Into the Smokies

Yesterday, on Sunday the fifth, we left at twelve and walked twelve miles in five hours. It was cold and wet and lovely! It was finally a temperature I am suited to! I loved it. The fog or mist at night was almost spooky, especially sjnce we had heard tell of bears nearby. There were no problems though.

On the morning on Monday, we saw deer. Sadly no photos... The twelve mile day started off lovely, and we had some great views from Rock Top; however, in the last three miles or so there were some surprisingly difficult climbs without much of a view.

Tuesday dawns, early. Too early I dislike it. Today we are attempting a thirteen mile day uber Clingman's Dome - the highest part of the trail. Hopefully, all goes well and there are many good views. It is almost all gently uphill though.