Date: 2006-03-21
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Newfound Gap/Gatlinburg
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The Spring-breakers did survive the night, which is good. By the morning most of my gear was dry enough to wear. I hit the trail early to try to make it to the next shelter and its glorious privy. With the weather being what it was, I just didn't feel like digging a cathole despite the fact that I had been prairie-dogging for a day and a half. (If that metaphor was lost on you, you are probably better off.) A whole crew of us made the Clingmans Dome climb together, and even in the wet weather it was beautiful. At the top, there is the option of blue-blazing and/or road walking to the gap. It cuts off a few miles, but of course, it isn't the AT. Whitey, a former thru-hiker tried to convince me that it would be safer to take the road, but I really wanted to follow the blazes and I thought the weather would clear up soon. I'm glad I did, because the sun came out an hour later. Of course, the view from the tower was non-existent. Even on good days, the visibility is bad due to all the smog. Thanks a lot, Champion Paper.It was a slippery, icy, muddy hike to the gap. For most of it, I was ankle deep in water. By the end, I definitely had some trench foot going on. A group of us gathered in the parking lot at the gap and prepared our hitching thumbs. We didn't wait long before a pick-up stopped and offered us a ride in the back. Unfortunately, it was a small pick-up with a large tool box. We managed to cram in, but it would take a crowbar to get us out. They took us as far as then Sugarlands Visitor Center, which put us within 2 miles of town. Another ride and a few minutes later, we were in Gatlinburg. If you have never been there, I recommend it on purely socialogical grounds. It may be the world's tackiest city. I can see how it might have once been a classy vacation destination at one point. Now it is a blight in the middle of otherwise untouched wilderness. But hey, there's a Ripley's museum, a Hard Rock Cafe, and all the Hillbilly Golf you can play.I convinced everyone to eat at Callhoun's. They seemed to enjoy it, but I forgot that all the prices are jacked up at that location. I treated us all to a spin-dip appetizer to make up for it, and we guzzled tea and coke by the liter. After lunch, my companions got checked into a hotel while I tried to reach Sarah. They were kind enough to let me relax on their couch while I waited. Finally, I got in touch with an ecstatic Sarah. She was on her way to get me before I knew it. Casino, Yoo-hoo, Hodge and the others went to get some gear at the Happy Hiker, but I didn't want to move. I gave them some money to buy me some camp shoes and proceeded to scan through the channels for an hour or so. While at the store, they found out that Treefingers and Ramble-On had just left town that morning. I will probably catch them by Hot Springs or just after. Sarah arrived after another hour or so, and I was back in Knoxville by dinner. I got to watch the first new episode of Prison Break , which Sarah had graciously taped for me. That is an excellent show. I was in bed early. Tomorrow we'll be back up in Gatlinburg for a romantic mountain getaway before I hit the trail again.