Happy Wednesday everyone! Last night it was raining, then it turned to freezing rain and then snow.
Woke up in the morning around 6:30 a.m. and packed up and got going, while the going was good, as the saying goes.
Headed to Carter Gap, which gave me a 14.5 or 15 mile day I believe. With that said all day today was a blizzard in the mountains with snow, snow drifts and winds up to 45 or 50 mph at times. I had on most of my clothes. Today was my most challenging day on this hike due to weather, but I have been in tougher situations. It was very beautiful and I enjoyed it. In conditions like this, just hike a comfortable pace and try not to sweat up your clothes (best to avoid tempting hypotherema to join) and watch your footing as best as you can. The storm got stronger as the day progressed.
As I hiked today, one of my friends lost his brother very recently, so I thought about both of them today and dedicated the toughest mile to them both.
One of the guys I was hiking with had to head home to take care of some personal issues. But I also met and hiked with some new people named ET and Honey Bear.
I will evaluate the weather conditions as I gauge when it is a good idea to enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which is under a winter storm warning. Kept my camera in my pocket today as it did not like the cold.
Oh, sad, was hoping you would find a hostel tonight. Keep warm inside the snow dome.
LikeLike
I bet the tent has lost that new car smell ,but Weather like your seeing, its the life boat, Stay strong my Brother!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Be safe out there brother. I am glad you are mindful of the weather. Sleep well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A couple good photos, ‘J,’ especially the one of you -look’in good, look’in strong. Tough conditions to be sure. Sharkbait is in Gatlinberg, and luckily avoided the bad weather… waiting to see what’s next weather-wise. May be time for a zero-day and a warm-up… may be getting crowded indoors. My best to you… stay warm, stay strong as best you can.
LikeLike
Must be doing something right!!! Cheering you onward and upward!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yikes, I was thinking you were escaping the cold not heading into it. We know how well you can handle a blizzard so this is just a walk in the park ;).
LikeLiked by 1 person
I knew buddy there was a chance of a winter storm, so I can’t plead anyone to feel sorry for me…nor should one. I hope you are doing good and have some adventures yourself.
LikeLike
Thank you for dedicating the tough mile this day to my bro Steve. I got your card in the mail and it was touching. Ali and I talk and think about you often as you are embracing this amazing journey. Also, Ali won’t shut up about hiking it. Maybe she’ll accidentally hike it someday like the time she accidentally fell asleep for 8 hours at the FANS 24 hour race. Happy trails brother! We are enjoying your blog immensely.
LikeLiked by 1 person