Date: 2015-04-28
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Gatlinburg 
Miles today: 3.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I hardly slept at all last night - again. It was so cold. Even with everything on and things shoved into my bag I was still freezing. The refried beans I ate last night did me no good. I couldn't stop farting in my tent! How embarrassing At first light I got up to use the privy and unleash some horrible gas and instantly a line forms behind me. You'd think in the middle of the wilderness a girl could get some privacy. No. Just not the case. When I unzipped my tent fly it was crunchy. Everything was covered in frost! When I eventually got moving the walk today to clingmans dome was so beautiful. It reminded me of hiking in yosemite. I walked up and up through fir and cedar and that smell, especially the parts that had been warmed by the sun, that smell is possibly the best smell I have ever smelled before. Way better than any Christmas or country store smell. The views were spectacular. The trail gave me an absolutely perfect day. Clear blue sunshiney skies. Luckiest duck. At the top of clingmans dome there were illustrations and i stood like a proud parent counting all the ones I had climbed over. The visitors asked my favorite question "where'd you come from?" "Georgia!!" and then my second favorite question "where ya heading" "Maine!!". I felt like a celebrity. Sometimes its easy to forget when you are in the middle how far you have come and how big your dream is. I was a bit uneasy knowing I had to get into Gatlinburg, I sent a drop box to an outfitter here because they offered a shuttle and when I called they said no shuttle I had planned my entire trip around avoiding hitchhiking because I felt it was not safe. So here I was wondering what on earth I would do but I figured the full parking lot was my best bet. On the way down to the lot I struck up a quick conversation with a friendly face. I asked if he and his wife were going to gatlinburg and they said they could swing by there. What amazing individuals. I was even offered an icy cold cherry coke zero!!!! The best ever. The ride into Gatlinburg was beautiful and the town sprung from the trees in no time. The angels wouldn't accept any money. I was blessed with their generosity and won't soon forget it. I picked up my box from the outfitter, resupplied fuel, bought a coffee screen and real coffee (forget that instant junk) and walked a couple blocks to a hotel!!!! With a real bed, and sheets, clean comfy sheets!!!! Both of the hostels I stayed at had plastic mats on plywood I checked in, got a shower (GLORIOUS) and then met some friends, the same friends who saved me from the weird guy, for mexican dinner. Delightful. I took a hot bath when I got back and now I'm laying in a bed for the first time since March 30. Its amazing. I'm happy to say there is a church group outside in the hall being loud and carrying on. I'll be very surprised if i get out of here tomorrow, too many errands to run. Im also resting my fluffy left knee. It's been hurting me a bit but today I got a good look at it and noticed its making a knee water bed on top. I finally caved and took some ibuprofen for the inflammation and I have it up on a pillow. I love pillows. Thank you everyone for staying with me, we have made it 200 miles. And since there is wifi pictures on the way...