Days 27-29
April 29 - May 1
Double Spring Gap to Cosby Knob Shelter
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| Double Spring Gap Shelter |
Day 27
Double Spring Gap to Ice Water Spring Gap Shelter
Today started out windy, cold, and foggy, and last night it rained. The sun broke through about 9:00. The combination of warm sun and wind quickly dried out the tent. We broke camp, and we were on our way.
Today had a few interesting occurrences. First was the Privy in camp. There hasn't been one in a while. A fellow hiker insisted that I check it out. He said that the Park Service must have heard about my metal (titanium) knees.
First, the privy step was two feet off the ground. Second, there were ADA stainless steel grab bars securely fastened to the walls, complete with instructions for how to use them. There was even a diagram for wheelchair usage.
Along the trail, someone made a sign with stones marking the 2,000-mile mark for southbound thru-hikers (SOBOs).
Clingmans Dome is the 200-mile mark for northbound hikers (NOBOs). This was my first experience with Clingmans Dome. In my mind I was expecting to see a fire tower similar to the others on the trail. It seemed like I stepped into an alternate universe. There was this massive concrete structure with a circular walkway and about a hundred people scurrying about taking pictures. I was glad to get back on the trail.
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| Titanium & Rocky on Clingmans Dome |
Rocky, as usual, made a few more friends. Three young women from Quebec spent quite a bit of time fawning over him, and he really hated it. We also ran into another service dog hiking the trail, a Newfoundoodle.
We came across a section of trail with special hog prevention gates. Apparently wild hogs are tearing up the Smokies, and this is a measure to keep them out.
The first 11 miles of today's hike were relatively easy with no major climbs and minimal obstacles. The last 3 miles made up for it. The section from Newfound Gap to Ice Water Spring was steep and full of sharp rocks and roots.
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Day 27 Trail Profile |
Day 28
Ice Water Springs Shelter to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
I woke up this morning to muddy rainwater running under my tent. Luckily, my tent floor didn't leak. The rain subsided long enough for me to break camp, wet tent and all. My backpack felt about 7 pounds heavier due to the wet gear.
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| Day 28 Trail Profile |
Several trail sections resembled creek beds with quite a bit of water. At one point, it was so foggy that the sky became a sea of white. Rocky doesn't like the rain, but he doesn't seem to mind the fog.
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| Charlies Bunion Stone Outcrop |
I put the tent up just as the sun went down, fixed dinner by headlamp, then went to bed in a wet tent. Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny. Hopefully, I can dry my gear a bit before we start hiking. I would love to get rid of that 7 pounds, and Rocky would love to be dry.
Day 29
Tri Corner Knob Shelter to Cosby Knob Shelter
- How far apart the drinking water sources are is a major factor. Some days water is scarce, others not. Fourteen miles was the longest so far.
- Where we're allowed to camp. In the National Parks, you are only allowed to camp at the shelters or designated camping platforms. In other areas, you can camp where you want.
- Weather on the AT is highly variable. We've experienced heat, high winds, rain, snow, freezing temperatures, fog, and sleet. Sometimes it's better to hunker down and let the weather pass. We often need to let our gear dry after a rain, fog, or snow.
- Fatigue plays a major role. So far the AT has been extremely challenging. In my case, I think it's better to hike a shorter distance instead of getting overly fatigued and getting hurt.
The night before last, Rocky spotted a bear below our camp. I told the woman camping near me about the bear. I was thinking, "Cool, a bear." She apparently was thinking, "OH, CRAP, A BEAR!" She abandoned her tent and slept in the shelter. She and her gear were gone when I woke up.
I ran into her today and had a chance to apologize for scaring her. Her trail name is Jukebox. She is a journalism project manager for the fashion industry in New York City. Even more interesting is that she won a high school writing competition sponsored by Russell Sage College. Sally was previously the English Department Chair at Russell Sage. Another interesting point is that the AT is Jukebox's first backpacking trip outside of some overnighters.
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| Jukebox |
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Day 29 Trail Profile |
Note from Sally:
I am headed into the office this morning (Thursday, May 2nd) to work a half-day with Zap and Rosie beside me (many thanks to my very understanding boss!). Then we will head about an hour up the highway to pick up Titanium, Rocky, and Commando at the Pigeon River Bridge where the AT comes down to Interstate 40 after leaving the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The plan is for the hikers to take a "nero" day, although they will still be hiking for a few hours. We plan to stay at a hotel in Waynesville and set the hikers back on the trail Friday morning. Then I will return to work with Zap and Rosie beside me again (home is a commute the other way). 😊
As I pack this morning, I am preparing a resupply box for Titanium and Rocky with their usual freeze-dried food and other necessities. It is apparently very important that I remember another item. Here is a sample of the Garmin or text messages I have received from Titanium on this subject over the last couple of days:- Tuesday Night: Bring . . . roasted chicken from the store, cut up and ready to eat.
- Tuesday Night: (in response to a comment that he sounded hungry) Hiker Hunger!
- Wednesday Afternoon: Bring salt for the chicken.
- Wednesday Night: Don't forget the chicken.
Congratulations! You have exceeded the mileage of your first thru hike. 1981 Tahoe to Yosemite trail. That trail was just under 200 miles in two weeks. Hard to believe that was 43 years ago and we all are still going strong.
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