Date: 2005-01-28
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Fal and Hercules left the shelter around 8:30am and I was about an hour later. You know it is funny - during the winter months especially, it just seems to take forever to get everything packed up and back on the trail.The plan for today was to hike to Icewater Springs Shelter. The three of us did not expect to see anyone at Newfound Gap because we expected the road to be closed. Our weather forecast had predicted a chance of freezing rain in the next day or so. Hiking towards the Gap, I ran across a sort of cattle guard type fence crossing that I had forgotten about from past hikes. In the Smokies they have a problem with wild boar that run around and destroy the vegetation, etc. So they have experimented with fencing portions of the GSNP to keep the boar out (or in?). So that hikers can get past the fences, they have constructed a inclined steel grate that a hiker can use to step over the fence (I guess the boar lack that capability). One of my pictures on here shows the fence crossing.The Park also hires local hunters to control the boar population (via shotgun). So there is a chance you will either meet one of these hunters or hear a shotgun blast off in the distance.Trail conditions between Mt. Collins Shelter and Newfound Gap still had plenty of ice - as did yesterday. Again, the crampons were a blessing. Fal and Hercules said they could hear me coming from way off, though. But I was pretty much able to maintain a 2 mph pace while wearing them. Just occasionally stopped and made sure the straps were still tight - they were.Approaching Newfound Gap around noon, it was obvious that the road was indeed open. Plenty of tourists and their cars were in the parking lot. People taking pictures and looking at us hikers like we were crazy (hmmmm - I wonder). Fal and Hercules had ALREADY secured a hitch back to Gatlinburg, and were getting ready to get in the car. Not enough room for me, though. So I'd have to try my luck with another driver.Local tourists told us an ice storm was heading into the area that afternoon. So we opted for Gatlinburg and sit out the storm. I was able to hitch a ride about 20 minutes later and in Gatlinburg before long.I've never been to Gatlinburg before - but heard others talk. But the guy who gave me a ride dropped me off at the Happy Hiker Outfitter (just a block inside the town from the Park Headquarters). The folks there were really helpful. They recommended staying at the nearby Grand Prix hotel. I headed over there and got a room ($31 plus tax). This place is nothing fancy, BUT they have in their lobby a connected computer with HIGH-SPEED internet access. And right behind the computer is free fresh coffee and free Krispy Kreme donuts!! I was set to update Trail Journals!Fal and Hercules stayed across the street at Family Inn of America - nicer rooms, cost a bit more. HOWEVER, that place has a LARGE indoor jacuzzi in the lobby and the management was cool about letting me use it. Nice touch in the middle of the winter. The three of us had some great conversations soaking up the hot waters.So - the plan in Gatlinburg is to relax and keep tabs on the weather. Once the road (US 441) opens back up - we will be back on the trail. Just don't know how soon that will be.