Out of the Smokies
Day 19: April 16, 2022
AT mile 223.4 to 243.7
Hiked: 20.3 miles / 32.7 km
AT miles hiked to date: 11.1%
It rained again for most of the night and into the morning so it was another wet pack up and start. Nevertheless we were out of the camp-site by about 8 am to enjoy a gradual climb followed by plenty of steep downhill sections with again a muddy slippery path. We passed 2 trail maintenance workers on horseback – stocky footsure Icelandic ponies slowly making their way up the mountain. Behind them the track was even more churned up and muddy.
After a long descent we came to the end of the Smoky Mountain National Park and just around the corner after that we came across a table set up with nachos makings and lemonade. Three young men had taken time out on their Saturday to bring food out to hungry hikers.
On we continued up a steep long climb until we came to a lovely secluded camp-site at the fork in a creek. We have managed more miles than we expected (first day over 20 miles) and are ready for a good long sleep.
5 thoughts on “Out of the Smokies”
Loved catching up on the last few posts! Beautiful variety in weather and landscape. And looks like just as many interesting people to meet along this one!
Like the thought of drifting off to sleep to the sound of trickling creek water !
The food sounds plenteous along the way, but guess you really burn it up.
I find it staggering just how many volunteers/trail angels there appears to be. What a great community
Yes, and it gives you a real lift when you encounter it
Going well
Thanks for all the posts