Date: 2003-04-04
From: Gatlinberg,TN

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 22 The 5 of us Hike Together Weather: Clingmans Dome fogged in, cold and rainy...then cloudy cool 40's.Yesterday had a perfect wrap up to perfect day, Radio Shack and I checked in and did our laundry together. Mule & Driver grabbed us and we went to The Happy Hiker (the local outfitter) right around the corner from the motel. They are real nice...took our picture and posted it on the sales floor where it will remain forever. I bought a water proof wallet and 2 ounce hand sanitizer. We then went to The Brewery where I treated the 4 of us to fresh brewd beer and pizza. It was good and the bartender was friendly. Soon it was 6 o'clock and we met Goldberry and her family for dinner. We went to Benny's first. When they couldn't seat us right away we went to the lodge that didn't have a restaurant. Looked at another place and didn't like the menu. Finally ended up at Calhouns. Driver turned into a "Trail Angel" and treated the Mule, Radio Shack and me to dinner and beer. It was great...RS and I had the full slab of ribs which were awesome. The wings, onion loaf and beer were outstanding also. Thanks again to a great guy..Driver! After we were through eating we moved over with Goldberry's family and had a nice chat. I went back to the room; called Julia and did some packing while Mule and RS got a beer. We ended up turning in around 11.Radio Shack got up at 5:30. After getting packed up, we went to the local mart for some breakfast items. Everything was fine until RS found out they didn't take credit cards. Goldberry and her mom showed up at 7 sharp to drive us back to Clingmans Dome. I want to acknowledge again how nice Goldberry's family was to us. Her Mom gave us the trail magic left overs. That with my full food made my packfeel like it was 6 to 8 pounds heavier. It felt the heaviest yet.We started hiking in a cold rain. I soon shed the stretch top and went to the T shirt and parka. It was obviously an easy downhill after Clingmans and after we got down below 5000' it turned to mostly cloudy. There were some views but very limited. At Newfound Gap (5,045') the Trail crosses the US 441 and there is a scenic overlook. There were quite a few tourists and we took some pictures. I may not have mentioned that the Trail straddles the TN NC border throughout the Smokies. My left foot is in TN while my right one is in NC.We got to Icewater Spring Shelter at 2 p.m. We weren't that tired but the weather was cold and damp. The next shelter was nearly 8 miles so we decided to call it a day. I had some leftover ribs for lunch plus crackers and cheese. Set up camp and got out dinner {Lipton noodles to which I added bacon bits...not bad). Did some journaling and sat around and talked. I hope it's not too long a night in the shelter. Tom and Charlie and 2 others are on the bottom. The 5 of us went to the top deck. A nice lady and her son, David (about age 13) came in later. With them the shelter was full.Everyone ate and turned in early. At about 11 p.m. these 4 guys show up and set up their tents. About 2 a.m. strong thunder storms moved in. We are so glad we are in the shelter. BTW, no mice....3rd shelter in a row.Thought for the Day: My fingers are cold.