To the Smoky Mountains & Beyond…

MARCH 12, 2021 — Yesterday, I left Fontana Dam and headed into the Smoky Mountains. It was funny to see the white Blaze on the water fountain as I left the area. It has been a beautiful two days of hiking and I included a picture of one of the shelters where I had lunch today. I continue to encounter obstacles, usually trees, over the path so climbing over has become routine. The shelters in the Smokys all look very similar and it is interesting to me that they have little fireplaces. I do not sleep inside the shelter as I prefer the privacy of my tent. Yesterday, you can see my campsite was beautiful and I put my tent up against an embankment of rocks. I felt so comfortable and safe and had a wonderful night’s sleep. Tonight I am in an area around a shelter and there are probably nine or ten hikers inside the shelter with a couple of us camping around it. It has started to rain this evening and is supposed to rain throughout the night. I was glad it held off until I made camp. I look forward to a good night’s sleep and another new day tomorrow. I am thoroughly enjoying the beauty of the Smoky Mountains!

I hope you enjoy these scenes from the Smoky Mountains running along the border of my home state of North Carolina and Tennessee… It has been such a pleasure to be in this part of the country for many reasons not the least of which is that I know my parents would be so proud. (They love NC and my family history goes back to the 1700s on both sides.) The shelters are usually pretty crowded and tonight there are probably 15-20 people either in the shelter or camping around it. Most will be heading out early so I will be up as well as I have a big day tomorrow. Clingman Dome is the highest point on the Appalachian Trail with elevations around 6553 ft. and is my first destination. It is supposed to rain, again, tomorrow but I hope the views will be lovely! BTW, the knees are still swollen but doing the job each day. Thanks for the prayers.

See You All Soon with More Exciting Updates! Stay Safe and Healthy!