So we have completed the Smoky Mountains! (Sorry we didn't have access to any internet/phone service for a long while). It has been a beautiful time but also challenging like expected. We hit our 3 week mark (now 4 weeks!) and like many alongside us have had some minor gear malfunctions. With Camel's MacGyver mind we were able to do a quick fix for our tent 'foot' that seems to have disappeared. Before the Smoky's though we had our 8 day stretch without showers or much rest. While 8 days might not seem long it sure can take a toll on the body. We excitedly stopped at 'Cabin in the Woods' where we rejuvenated ourselves by feasting AKA nonstop eating allll day :)
We passed by the famous NOC where many towns people come to kayak and white water raft (big tourist attraction). Some of us hikers decided to cool off in the river while other gave the tourists quite a show as they scrubbed down and bathed.
On our first night staying in the Smoky's, Camel woke up at about midnight to growl-like sounds followed by heavy breathing. His pulse was out the roof at the thought of seeing the bear poke it's head in our tent. Once the sounds faded away he finally got to sleep. The next morning after hiking with 'Oregon' and 'Little Bit' we found out that 2 young hikers weren't filtering their water which made them vigorously puke all night. So thankfully, still no bear encounters in the woods.
We reached Clingman's Dome which is the highest point on the whole trail which is also the 200 mile mark! Clingman's Dome was packed so full due to it being Easter Sunday and it felt so nice to see all the smiling families celebrating. People seem to be amazed of how we are thru-hiking. In Gatlinburg one couple gave us $4 for the trolly just to help us out. Gatlinburg is a big tourist town and we understand why. Free Samples! of moonshine, whiskey, and wine. We tried all kinds and have declared apple pie moonshine as our favorite.
We just got to Hot Springs, NC and are camping out nearby the trail. After about 270 miles we are definitely getting our groove and can't wait to see what else the trail shall bring.
We passed by the famous NOC where many towns people come to kayak and white water raft (big tourist attraction). Some of us hikers decided to cool off in the river while other gave the tourists quite a show as they scrubbed down and bathed.
On our first night staying in the Smoky's, Camel woke up at about midnight to growl-like sounds followed by heavy breathing. His pulse was out the roof at the thought of seeing the bear poke it's head in our tent. Once the sounds faded away he finally got to sleep. The next morning after hiking with 'Oregon' and 'Little Bit' we found out that 2 young hikers weren't filtering their water which made them vigorously puke all night. So thankfully, still no bear encounters in the woods.
We reached Clingman's Dome which is the highest point on the whole trail which is also the 200 mile mark! Clingman's Dome was packed so full due to it being Easter Sunday and it felt so nice to see all the smiling families celebrating. People seem to be amazed of how we are thru-hiking. In Gatlinburg one couple gave us $4 for the trolly just to help us out. Gatlinburg is a big tourist town and we understand why. Free Samples! of moonshine, whiskey, and wine. We tried all kinds and have declared apple pie moonshine as our favorite.
We just got to Hot Springs, NC and are camping out nearby the trail. After about 270 miles we are definitely getting our groove and can't wait to see what else the trail shall bring.