Date: 2018-03-30
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Gatlinburg TN
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

On Friday morning we all milled about once again and decided on the best move. The smokies are beautiful but almost every thru-hikers just wants to get through them and out as quickly as possible. I started the climb up to Clingman's Dome in the on and off rain that surrounded the mountain. It was not as grueling as I had expected and I was up there fairly quickly. It's amazing how the forest changes to more pine trees and the smell of Christmas. Much more like NH than it has been.On top, there was of course no view. I did the ceremonial walk up the actual dome tower on top, took some pictures then continued on. It was cold, windy and wet and I just wanted to get some shelter. The group of us had planned to stop in Newfound Gap, a popular tourist area, to hitch a ride into Gatlinburg, TN for some hot food. Samesies said she was going to stay in town but the rest of us were unsure if we would. Food, however, was irresistible. On the way down to the gap I ran into one of the park ranger ridge runners. She asked to check my pass and I was happy to show it to her. It was nice to know my $20 pass would not go unnoticed! She suggested some restaurants in town and said the 15mile hitch should be easy so I was in good spirits.I reached Newfound Gap around the same time as Samesies and Green Grass. We entered this parking lot full of people taking pictures of the mountains we had been hiking for the past few days. Coming out of the mountains with mud everywhere and a certain stench and scruffy look got us plenty of weird stares from the well-groomed tourists. I kinda enjoyed viewing society from this different perspective.We stood around, used an actual bathroom and joined in picture taking. After waiting about 10 minutes, Shiver, Honey Bun and Soothe Sayer reached the gap and the six of us hiker trash made a game plan to get into town. It was only 1pm or so. As we stood there a man approached us and noted he had been called to give a group a ride into town but they never showed. He said he could drive 4 of us in for $30 total and myself, Samesies, green grass and Soothe Sayer jumped in. Shiver and Honey Bun were going to hitch.We were asked to put on foot booties to keep the car clear of mud. As we entered the town of Gatlinburg I couldn't believe what I was seeing. This town reminds me exactly of Disney World. There are tourist traps lining the streets with ski lifts up the snowless mountains and old western photography at every corner. I had been overwhelmed in the parking lot 30 min ago but this brought it to a whole new level.The four of us hopped out of the car and payed the nice man. We wore our booties in the parking lot of an outfitter at one of the most famous entrances into the Smokies with our packs and our hiker look. It was truly a sight to see surrounded by the hub of tourist traffic on Easter weekend.We strolled through the outfitter avoiding spending our entire hike allowance on more gear we didn't need. We then got a call that Shiver and Honey Bun were at the Mexican restaurant already-- No Way Jose's! We had to walk/run a mile with our full packs through the crowd of disney-goers. This was also a sight to see!We got into the restaurant, devoured a huge burrito then walked to the hotel we had booked minutes prior. It was a one bedroom room with a King sized bed another mile from our location. Soothe and Samesies went and got the key while the rest of us stopped at a corner store for beer and essential foods like Snickers. When we got the go-ahead we all snuck into the room, closed the shades and claimed our spot either on the bed or the ground. I slept on the ground next to the door but all was well for a hot shower and cheap pay.Later on we met up with a few other hikers at the Smoky Mountain Brewery. We had a beer or two then made the two mile trek back to the room after stopping at McDonald's for a quick bite and a breakfast sandwich for the morning. We don't eat extremely healthy if you didn't get that part yet... HahaWe settled in for the night and prepared for a long hike tomorrow morning.P.S: Hiker friend Bio:Green Grass (Rob): Rob is from the UK and grew up 100mi north of London. He is 28 y/o and worked as a bike messenger in London for a few years and now works as a tree surgeon- climbing trees and trimming them. He is extremely fit, always happy and carries an 18lb pack at it's fullest with super lightweight gear and a lot of expertise. He always looks on the bright side and the saying "the grass is always greener" seems to fit him- hence, green grass. He's an awesome guy.Samesies: samesies is 30 y/o and from Chattanooga, TN and works a variety of different jobs the coolest being at a fly fishing resort in Alaska during the summer. She is only hiking until May then will jump off and head to Alaska. Her name comes from saying "Samesies!" every time she has the same gear as another hiker.Soothe Sayer: he is from Bethlehem, PA and formerly owned his own bakery business which he sold prior to hiking. He got his trail name from being someone who tells wisdom on trailShiver: she is an 18 y/o girl from NC. She has completed roughly 75% of the trail in a triple yoyo starting NY-ME last year then NY-VA and now GA-VA. She got her trail name because she didn't bring a sleeping bag with her originally and constantly shivered at night. She has one now though! Don't worry!Honey Bun: he is a 23 y/o from College Park, PA. He graduated last May and is now hiking the AT. He got his name from eating hunny buns every day and because he has a young looking face.