What a day it has been. We woke up pretty early this morning because we knew we were going to have a long day. We were right! We rolled into our destination around 8:20. So in 12 hours of hiking we managed to hike around 25.5 miles.
The best part about today wasn't that we completed a tenth of the trail or because we pushed our biggest day. It was because for most of the day we had the chance to see some of the most beautiful views we've seen all trip. The day was full of ridge running with gaps in the trees to see awesome views. The only thing was that half the time it was too foggy to see.
We also hit another cool milestone today! We climbed Clingmans Dome this morning. The reason why it is so special is due to the fact that it is the highest elevation on the Appalachian Trail, coming in roughly around 6600 feet above sea level.
Everyone that we stayed with yesterday are either in Gatlinburg or at the shelter before this one. It's a bummer not to have the familiar faces but that just means it's time to meet more people!
Tomorrow we will be doing 18 miles to a hostel called Standing Bear Farms. I'm just looking forward to another day of hiking. Today really showed the beauty of Gods creation. I hope for tons more days like today!
It was also cool to see that by pushing passed the shelter that everyone else we knew stopped at God set us up for an opportunity. On our way to the shelter we ran across a woman who was going to the same shelter. Her name was Pokie, and like her name she was a little slower. We were able to help her out though Max stayed with her and helped her over a tree while they sent me ahead to let the person she was with know that she was ok just a little slow.
This also brings up the fact that I got a Trail name today! I am now Chompers, partially due to the fact that the land before time was one of my favorite movies growing up. The other side to the name is the fact that I like to eat a lot! I'm just glad it isn't a bad trail name.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Tri-County Shelter
Continued blessings! TL
ReplyDelete