Day 31

It was a cold start to the day. My tempe thermometer was saying it was under freezing most of the day. Since I pushed myself hard yesterday, I was able to shorten my day today to a little over 10.5 miles to Newfound Gap. First, I got to climb Clingman’s Dome. It was extremely windy and around 29 degrees at the top but, boy, what a view. This section of the Smokies was like walking thru an enchanted forest. I have TONS of pictures and videos. I was hiking around a group that are really cool and we all made it to Newfound Gap. Took a while to find a hitch for all of us but in the end, it worked. When I got into Gatlinburg, I first went to the NOC to get a different pair of insoles. I think the Superfeet Green will work better than the Trail Blazers. Fingers crossed. My Outdoor Research rain pants got the zipper caught and ripped right off when I tried to unstick it and then the inseam ripped wide open. I just told people during the rains that it was my exhaust vent. I bought a different pair as well. After gorging on a salad bar, loaded potato, beer and a rib eye, I caught the free trolley to a home that hosts hikers all on a donation basis. They have everything you would ever need. I think I’ll be sleeping in the main room as there is a married hiking couple here getting the bedroom. Hey, I’m showered and washing my clothes. I’m happy! Back to trail tomorrow to try and push out of the Smokies in the next 3 days.