The smoky Mountains Continue…
To the Smoky Mountains & Beyond…
18 March 2021
Max Patch Loop Hike…
19 March 2021
MARCH 16, 2021 — Yesterday was BRUTAL! Oh my goodness! It never rained but the wind, and wind gusts, just never stopped… Clingman’s Dome was lovely but all I wanted to do was get OFF that mountain. But then, I had to go over Mt. Collins and experienced the same winter wind. Honestly, I was dressed perfectly for the hike except for my hands because I had accidentally packed my gloves in the BOTTOM of my pack and just never wanted to stop and unpacked everything. So, I did suffer a bit for that mistake. No harm done. I had to keep taking pictures through the beautiful Smoky Mountains. I thoroughly enjoyed the second half of my day as I hiked through the quiet, beautiful, winter forest.
I hope you enjoy these scenes from the Smoky Mountains running along the border of my home state of North Carolina and TenneI am taking a much needed 0 day to resupply, rest, and take care of some things needing internet access (which I do not have much of in the woods). It is pouring down rain today so a good day to be inside! Hopefully, this front will pass before I get back on the trail…
Knee update: I will be icing these knees down every few hours while off the trail. Keep those prayers going. There is NO injury….just a bit of swelling and discomfort from the abuse as I have climbed up and down some VERY steep mountains these last 3 weeks. My understanding is that the trail ahead is less intense until I get too New Hampshire and Maine.
Enjoy the pictures above. I miss hubby, home, family, church, and friends so very much. But, one thing that has helped…. Sam Wines Barker continues to be a tremendous blessing. She has driven hundreds of miles and purchased countless items I needed. Wow! Sam has made these first weeks SO much easier with her generous, sacrificial, helpful spirit. THANK YOU, friend.
