Iron Mountain Shelter to Boots off Hostel
Two days in a row we’ve made our goal. 16 miles, 32 miles in two days. Finally I’ve been able to drag CLE up the mileage scale. He still struggles with the climbs, but he never gives up, and for that, I applaud him. Today, we saw bear number 2, 3, and 4 for the trip. This was a mamma and two little ones. They never stick around for pictures, but they are fun to see. We are now officially hiking in an American rain forest, the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s pretty rough country with nothing much to see but green trees. Today, we walked along Watsuga lake which is miles long, impoundment near Hampton TN. The water looks like green depression glass due to all the dissolved limestone in it, but it’s very picturesque. The locals were out in full force enjoying a warm humid day.
Tomorrow will be an unusual day. The hostel we are staying at will shuttle us south and we will hike back without our back packs. Until you’ve done it, there’s no way to describe how great that feels after carrying 40 plus pounds on your back for a couple of weeks. Then Tuesday, we will don our socks and head south to Erwin TN which is another 75 miles south. During that trip we will go up, through and over the Roan highlands which is another favorite spot on this southern section of the AT.
Time for Whistler to sign off and let his feet rest. Until tomorrow….
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