Date: 2013-04-11
From: Double Spring Gap shelter

To: Clingmans Dome
Miles today: 3.1
Weather: broken clouds

A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will. Spanish proverb   Oh my, am I so glad for the change of plan. The wind blew all night. We hiked to Clingmans in a mist with clouds closing in all around. Once again, there was no view for me. Maybe when we come back I will see something besides clouds.       I hiked fast as tiny ice and raindrops fell intermittently.   I saw remnants of snow here and there and was very careful, trying to avoid slipping and falling on the rocks. I knew from reading other trail journals that many hikers have fallen repeatedly here. Ouch.       It was a pretty quick hike to the parking area, where a shuttle took six of us to town. It seemed like a long way. I was sitting on the floor so I couldn't see too much but was noticing the tree tops. Little leaves!         The change in weather was dramatic.   People were in shirt sleeves and had convertible tops down in town. I felt like I was on another planet. We arranged for a place to stay and for me, the push pull begins. I'm tired, and want nothing more than to drop my stuff somewhere and nap. But, I'm hungry and I stink. Everything is reeking after the last few days of hot weather and needs to be washed. My toe needs serious attention. I need sun lotion and more food. I want to sleep but there is much to do.    Laundry won out, so I got that started and went to eat a late lunch with Top, Capt. Dan and his buddy, Bucket List. So hungry by now. I'd been given a cupcake earlier and we all inhaled a bag of chips, but my stomach was growling loudly. Ate ribs, sweet potato and veggies. Fabulous.    Outfitter store next, then a lengthy trolley ride to a grocery store. Everything seems to take forever, so instead of facing the trolley again I just asked someone leaving the grocery for a ride back to town. Bingo! They are going my way and I get dropped off about a mile from my lodging. So nice.       I'm first back so I enjoyed so quiet time repacking my food and reorganizing my pack. The best was a call from Polaris. : )   I owe him such a debt for inspiring me and encouraging me to hike this year. His hiking experience was life changing, and he has gone forward to Rutgers University to tackle new challenges. He achieved a 4.0 last semester and told me that he is discussing an honors thesis with his advisor. He has become a leader in the RU outdoor program and has surrounded himself with a wonderful group of friends. I could not be a prouder or happier mom. I cannot wait to reach NJ so that we can hike together.   That will make my heart so happy. I miss seeing him but know he is always there, cheering me on. I am so blessed.   His support means more than I can possibly put into words.    Chores are done, but now it's time to eat, again. I'm going to eat my veggies and save something for the trail tomorrow. Of course the guys order 2 lbs of wings and fried pickles for the table. Ok, I'll have a little of that. More dinner food then some massive chocolate thing. Ok, one bite of that. Well, maybe two?       The news is all about the weather--wind, rain, tornadoes--in a big line all around the area.   It's pouring outside now.   So glad to be safe and sound for this night.   Sadly, Bucket List will be leaving us tomorrow to return to his busy life as a lawyer in FL. It has been a pleasure to hike with him as he is so easy going and fun to be around. The friendship he shares with Capt. Dan is a special one and I've enjoyed the glow of their give and take.    I laugh so much and so often with these guys. Conversations range from how many snakes you could put into a sack and how to do that, boy toys (race cars, backhoes, trucks), when will they eat next and who snores. It's been very interesting!It's all good. Tie Dye