Date: 2014-04-07
From: Fontana Dam

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 40.8

So I have been journeying through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park the past few days. The climb into the park was the most difficult I have had to date. For some reason the heat had really gotten to me and I felt sick. I slowed myself down, took several breaks, and continued my "tradition" of being one of the last to roll into a shelter. Thankfully someone didn't want to sleep in the shelter so I got shelter space! For those who don't know about the GSMNP, it runs off of a permit system. There are section hikers and thru hikers. I think a thru hiker is defined as any hiker starting 50 miles before the park and continuing 50 miles past the park. Section hikers need to make reservations for the shelters they are going to stay at. Most shelters hold 12-14 people and only 4 of these spots are for AT thru hikers. This means you WILL have to leave the shelter if a section hiker shows up- no matter what the time. You also cannot tent or hammock unless the shelter is full. The park has ridgerunners who hike back and forth each day between shelters to enforce the rules and check for permits. Guess what.. the ridgerunners gets one of the four thru-hiker slots if they stay the night. Then of course you have the park rangers who are out enforcing things, also. I have yet to see a ranger.Most shelters at the Smokies don't have privies (outhouse in the woods) either. There is literally a toilet area where you have to dodge toilet paper and surfies trying to find your own place to go to the bathroom. You are supposed to dig a cat hole and pack out your trash- something a lot of people have obviously not done. My blog for Roam the Woods explains a little more.Since I have entered the Smokies they have been beautiful. The most impressive day I have had yet in the Smokies was my hike to Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the A.T. I'll get back to Clingman's. The trail was absolutely beautiful though. It was like I was in some sort of fairytale land- something out of a movie. I couldn't believe what I was hiking through. It was dark, heavily forested, rich and mossy. I don't even know how to explain it but I can't wait to get the pictures up! The trail was nice and smooth, gradually uphill. An incredible treat to hike on. By far my favorite place on the trail to date. Clingman's Dome on the other hand had me filled with mixed feelings. This is the highest point on the A.T. and an accomplishment for it's hikers. However it was very depressing that this milestone would be at the edge of a parking lot littered with tourists who don't even know about the trail. Most who were complaining about having to walk all the way from the parking lot! I felt like a zoo animal being watched- eating lunch while the tourists watched us, talking amongst themselves or pointing us out to their children commenting about who we were and what we were doing. It was a weird feeling. I pulled off into town to avoid some nasty weather and resupply. Being part of the Fairweather hiking club I do my best to know the weather and avoid hiking in rain or snow. While its cold out at least. Nasty storms were reported. Today, I can see snows up on the mountains from town. It's going to be another snowy start- but it will be very pretty! Champ update! For those wondering where my furry companion is, well dogs are not allowed to be in the Smokies park. The owner of Loving Care Kennels picked him up and I should have him back once I am out. Hopefully he is in good spirits and enjoying his doggy vacation. Until next time!-knaffles