Date: 2014-03-30
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

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

Day 18 - Today is my birthday and I can only describe it as an epic day! The wind howled all last night as 16 of us slept in a shelter designed for 12. Nobody was turned away when they showed up wet and tired at the shelter door. As we went to sleep (and we did sleep, quite well in fact) the rain had turned to snow. When we awoke we discovered that 6 inches had fallen and the wind was whipping more snow to make a very unpleasant morning. No one was moving very fast as most of us were headed to Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the AT, about 1100 feet higher than the shelter and from there to Newfound Gap where most folks hoped to get a ride into Gaitlinburg. However, the road to Newfound Gap was closed due to the weather. As we finally decided to get moving, we discovered our socks and boots were frozen solid. I had one pair of dry socks and opted to wear those as I tried to cram my feet into my boots that were imitating ice-cubes! It was bitter cold out and we really wanted some of the young buck hikers to go out and break the trail for us. The 16 of us discussed safety on a harsh day like this and agreed that we should hike in small groups and look out for each other. We were encouraged by the weather forecast but the conditions this morning were the conditions where people die. We put on our layers for hiking in very cold conditions and set out at 9:45 AM after 5 other hikers left. The hiking was tough. The higher we climbed towards Clingmans Dome the more snow we encountered. By the time we got to the Dome we were trudging through 12 inches with drifts of 3-4 feet. The reward was the spectacular view from Clingmans Dome. As promised, the skies cleared and the skies were a deep blue. We could see for miles! We did not stay up on the Clingmans Dome tower for too long because the wind was ferocious! We were scheduled to meet our Trail Jeannie in Newfound Gap in the early afternoon, go into Gaitlinburg for a birthday lunch, get the rest of our food for the Smokies and then hike about 3 miles to the next shelter. However, since we got such a late start and conditions slowed us down, Jeannie was able to meet us at 3:45 PM and offered to bring us back to her house. We were so tired at that point that we said yes to that plan, so here we are back in Knoxville, warm, dry and with full bellies! We are going to get our chores done and then get to bed.Even though I am exhausted, I feel such a sense of accomplishment about today. It is a great way to start of a new year for me!Here are a few random things I wanted to share. We passed our 200 mile mark just after coming off Clingmans Dome! Thanks to Sue and Jim for the delicious raspberries, which I dehydrated. I have had 2 cups of tea with those raspberries in the tea and it has been yummy and got oohs and aahs from the others in the shelter. And you may remember reading in an earlier journal entry about a creepy guy that we encountered at a shelter. We found out today that he was arrested in Fontana Dam on felony drug charges! I knew there was something unsettling about him!And lastly I need to tell you about the trail magic that was waiting for the hikers in Newfound Gap today. Beth and Bernie, from Florida, drive their pick-up truck to Newfound Gap every year, and park in the parking lot for 9 days giving hikers whatever they might need, for free! They were the nicest people and the variety of supplies they were prepared to give to hikers was impressive. From food to health supplies, socks and sunscreen, and everything in between. This magic continues to amaze us and we are grateful for their generosity.Time for bed. It has been a most memorable birthday! Thanks again to our Trail Jeannie! All is well.