Date: 2007-05-07
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

I had a good night sleep and finally got on the trail by 10am. I am usually not too concerned about getting started early now since I have been hiking at a fast pace and will usually end up passing most of the hikers I am hiking with now. You tend to hike in groups out here, and the group I'm hiking with consists right now of Huckleberry (Huck), Haiku, Calm Water. and myself. In addition to this group there is another group of 3 thru hikers; Spoon, Big Blue, and Big Cat, which we have been encountering since entering the Smokies. In addition, there is a young couple hiking for a few days, Vivian (Taco Bell) and Alberto (Huckleberto). They are from Puerto Rico, and are attending Michigan State University. No one actually hikes together all day. Everyone usually starts out at a different time but during the course of the day you may be passed by someone or vice versa, depending on when you take a break. This happens continuously during the entire day, but we all seem to end up at the same location at the end of the day.Today was a hard day to describe in just words or photos but I'll make an attempt. The sky was a dark blue with not a single cloud. The temperatures hovered in the 60's the entire day, with a cool breeze blowing gently all the time. The sun provided just enough warmth to shake off the early morning chill, and never became uncomfortably hot throughout the day. Most of the hike today was in the 5500 to 6500 foot elavation range. Within the first couple of miles I passed through a stand of Balsam Fir and inhaled the fragrant scent the entire stretch. Memories of Christmas' past were abundant. The big highlight today was hiking to Clingman's Dome, which is the highest point on the Appalachian Trail (6643 ft.). There is a road that leads up to the summit and an unusual looking observation platform built there. Because of this and in addition to the beautiful weather, there were many tourists here, by the time I arrived. I also met Huck, Haiku, Calm Water, Spoon, and Big Cat taking a break there.After taking a few photos at the observation platform and having something to eat, I continued on. I felt so good and energized today because of the perfect weather and beautiful terrain. Before entering the Smokies, I had this mental image of a dark, dank and foreboding place. The first day and part of the second day in the park, certainly lived up to that image. But today, definitely dispelled that idea once and for all. Today I had the pleasure of seeing the true beauty and diversity of the Smoky Mtns.The rest of the day took me through about a 3 mile stretch where there were a massive number of blow downs, trees completely uprooted which have fallen to the ground or were resting on upright trees. Some actually fell across the trail, and the local hiking club has done a great job clearing them. The sawdust from the clearing work looked fresh, so I'm guessing this happened recently.The end of the day eventually took me down to Newfound Gap, where US441 cuts through the Smokies. Huck, Calm Water, Big Cat, Alberto and Vivian, and I all arrived at different times. Big Cat decided to hitch to the town of Gatlinburg to re-supply and spend the night. We said farewell to Alberto and Vivian who were ending there hike and catching a shuttle back to their car at Fontana Dam. The interesting thing about this location is the sign in the parking lot which marks the North Carolina / Tennesee border. We had some fun taking pictures as we stood by the sign with one foot in NC and one in Tennesee. The trail moving north, wanders in and out of both of these states for a while.Huck, CW, and I put on our packs and hiked the last 3 miles up to the shelter. It's crowded here tonight so I'm tenting.GREAT day on the AT! P.S. will have some new photos out in a few days.