Nothing but blue skies
Day 18: April 15, 2022
AT mile 207.7 to 223.4
Hiked: 15.7 miles / 25.3 km
AT miles hiked to date: 10.2%
After a hearty breakfast of Eggs Benedict, fruit, coffee and juice, we caught a free shuttle from Gatlingburg up to the trail head. With sun shining in a blue sky it was totally different from the atmosphere of yesterday. The trail at this northern half of the Smokies seems to be a little less steep although the peaks are just as high which means the climbs are longer.
On the way we met a gentleman busy with a hoe working to maintain the trail. We also passed a ridge runner – a volunteer for the AT, checking how we all were doing. We didn’t meet anyone like that when walking through the rain and mud though!
We also passed a couple hiking with their 2 year old in a carry pack. They also hope to hike the entire trail carrying him as well as all their gear!
With clear skies and perfect weather, we’ve enjoyed all the views that we’ve missed over the last week.
Despite a number of stops to eat and to admire the view, we have walked a good distance to a camp-site and shelter. There are not many tent sites here and from the photo you can see that we have had to accept a very slopey one adjacent to a fallen tree. Not sure how well we’ll sleep!
3 thoughts on “Nothing but blue skies”
Wow! Are they thru hiking it or section hiking it?
Yes the couple with kid hope to thru hike the whole trail
Wow, to the couple with the 2 year old! That’s amazing. They look happy. Glad to see the nice weather.