Part 2- update

After the Natahala Outdoor Center we had beautiful hiking weather. That Monday we hiked 17 miles to meet our friends Mitch, Liz and little Nicholas who drove 5 hours to Fontana Dam, NC.





We were so grateful for the time we spent with them. We had our first "zero" day - hiker lingo for taking a day off.

It was great being with friends, laughing, eating good food and having the opportunity to rest. We even got to play a round of putt-putt.









A huge Thanks to Mitch, Liz & Nicholas for coming to see us and being a part of our journey! You guys really encouraged us.

Hiking out we crossed the Fontana Dam and immediately entered The Great Smoky Mountains.













The first half of the Smokies we had a bit of freezing rain and experienced the typical dense fog. As the ice melted off the branches it sounded like glass breaking all around us. It was pretty cool.









We had one particular night in the shelter that was really fun.

Everyone was trying to stay warm in their sleeping bags while cooking dinner, ten conversations happening at once, clothes drying -hanging from rope strung from every part of the ceiling and someone had started a nice fire. Gregg took out his mandolin which added to the scene.





All the thru-hikers that were there now refer to that night as the 'refugee camp' shelter.

Then spring arrived! Overnight, the weather cleared up and the second half of the Smokies were absolutely gorgeous. We were able to see far out into the distance.









We hiked up to Clingman's Dome - the highest point on the A.T. and took in the great views. It was awesome to look south and see the mountains that we had crossed.





We also got our fill of people watching on Clingman's, it was a busy day full of tourists.

We dipped into Gatlinburg, TN because we had the chance to visit with our friend Levi's father.

We were completely spoiled with luxury. Once again we ate good and slept in a cozy bed.
Thanks Teddy & Barb for hooking us up! Also a special thanks to Levi for arranging everything.







At the laundromat and then to the store to re-supply our food bags.

Here are a few more photos from our time in the Smokies:








Icy part of the trail- hard to hike.




One of the many huge uprooted trees.




Crossing in and out of NC/TN.




Gregg serenading the mountains on a lunch break.


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Location:Fontana Dam - The Smokies