6/12/26- Day 12 - the tourists have invaded

Today wasn’t my longest day, but so far the most tiring. It was a total of 16.5 miles with all up or down, nothing near flat. The first half of the day was pretty quiet, passing only a few other hikers. Then about 7 miles in, I started seeing dozens of day hikers. I was getting near the gap, with a large parking area, and it’s a big draw from Gatlinburg TN. There were sneakers, candles, flip flops, and some, even bare foot. I paused to answer lots of questions; not sure how they stayed close enough, they all smelled funny, all soapy and stuff. After that, another 7 or 8 miles of ups and downs.

I’ve had dinner, more hydrated backpackers food. Doing pretty well on 1000 calories a day. My shelter mate, Sid, has a roaring fire going in the fireplace. Thankfully, the shelter is constructed of stone.

Tomorrow, I will crest Cling Man’s Dome, the highest peak east of the Mississippi, at just over 6600 feet. Hoping for good weather, so I can get lots of pictures.

All the energy I have for tonight.

Until tomorrow,

Whistler out.