Date: 2003-03-24
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap/US441
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

Last night was a little chilly. I don't know the exact temperature, but I'd guess it was in the 20s due to the widespread frost blanketing the area when I got up. Parts of the trail that don't see much or any sun were frozen all day long. It was awesome though, providing a Christmas-like appearance in the eyes of this Floridian.The day's hike added to that feeling. We climbed up to Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the AT, and along the ridgeline well below Clingman's, the incredible views told me it was going to be a great scenery day! I was told there aren't too many clear days on Clingman's Dome, and arriving by 10am, I was shocked at the view--clear, awesome, fogless! I could see where we came from, and where we're going, and it was awesome! Hotdog, two other thruhikers (Home Fries and Hash Browns) and I were the only people there, and we took turns taking pictures for one another. Dog and I unfurled Soleman's Flag and had more pics taken with the Flag.It was quite chilly up there, with the wind ripping! But well worth the short detour to visit. On our way down the mountain, we saw snow, and I couldn't resist... I picked up a handful and tossed it at Hotdog. He picked up and handful and returned the favor. Now I can say I've had a snowball fight on the AT. Farther along the trail we hiked through beautiful pine forests. The pine scent was refreshing. I remarked that today was like Christmas, and that thought was reinforced when we came across a section hiker wearing bells. :-)We knew Mrs. Hotdog was meeting us at Newfound Gap around 3pm, but Dog and I couldn't resist sitting in the sun for breaks. The weather has been just incredible, and I know I have enjoyed those moments of basking in the sun immensely! Right before 3, we climbed the trail up to the gap, and across the parking lot was Mrs. Hotdog and 3 thruhikers waving at us. Thin Mint, Three Sock, and Rockhound were enjoying cold sodas, donuts, fruit, crackers and cookies provided by Mrs. Hotdog. Thank you SO much! That was awesome! A few minutes later, Fiver joined us! We met two others who've thruhiked the AT: Windex and Deep Sea, and they had nothing but supportive things to say. It was great talking to them, but soon we headed for Gatlinburg.I got a room by myself, and found out Slow Ride, Yukon Rasputon, Smokey T, Beefstick, and Tinman are here as well, so I chatted with them after my shower, while laundry was in the works. A couple of hours later, the Dogs picked me up, and Mrs. Hotdog treated us to dinner at Peddlers. Mmmm mmmm good! Thank you again! It was great! Also, Mrs. Hotdog provided me with some town clothes and shoes. Maybe she'd heard I have a tendency to wear bright yellow rain gear while in town....I haven't slept well the last 2 nights, but not sure why. I couldn't get comfortable, or couldn't fall asleep, or got woken up with the early risers. Just didn't sleep well, so am looking forward to tonight's bedrest. I've also been having weird dreams, probably due to the fragmented sleep pattern. Hopefully I'll start sleeping more soundly. Or maybe I should stay awake past 8pm! It's difficult though. Once the sun goes down and the temperature drops, I climb in my bag to journal and read. That means 11 to 12 hours of laying down, which gets uncomfortable. Not too uncomfortable to get up earlier though. I don't get out of my bag much before 7:30am, and rather enjoy that. It still leaves plenty of time to hike. And that hike time includes plenty of basking in the sun on grassy balds, or staring at ridgeline after ridgeline of mountains. Does it get better?