Total Miles Hiked: 202.8
Miles Hiked Today: 13.5
Start Time: 10:25 End Time: 7:50pm
Breakfast Menu: Sage had 2 Pop Tarts and an iced honey bun. Dan had an iced honey bun
Lunch Menu: Dan had Mountain House Lasagna with hot pepper flakes, cheese and pepperoni added. Sage had Mountain House Chicken Noodle
Dinner Menu: 1 small summer sausage with mashed potatoes. As we were eating, a hiker walked in from a town resupply and gave us a bag of fritos. Trail Magic!
Today's Milestones:
Climbed the highest peak on the AT, Clingman's Dome
Broke 200 miles on this section hike
Hiked 13.5 miles in mud
At sunrise the wind was howling and the rain was pelting the roof of the shelter. We decided laziness was the better part of valor, and courageously kept sleeping. By 930, the rain was starting to slacken, so we started to prep for a wet day of hiking. At about 1020, a small ray of sunshine told us it was time to go. It was cold and windy, but the clouds cleared throughout the day.
The day started with a climb, later on in the morning we had to climb. After lunch, we climbed some more. Then our climb began...up to Clingman's Dome.
I fear I am being redundant. Let me try again. We started the day hiking in the mud, then we hit a really wet section. Then we started a muddy climb up to Clingman's Dome.
Wet, muddy and tired from one of our most difficult days on the trail (again) , we arrived at the shelter before dark.
Congratulations on summiting Clingman's Dome; climbing UP in the MUD!! The Preakness was also run in the mud on Saturday. For man and beast, traversing mud takes more stamina. We rejoice that you were equal to the challenge. It demonstrates your fortitude and tenacity!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sending the beautiful photo of the red trillium. I haven't seen it as much as the white. The moisture made it possible for it to be there for you to see as it is found in moist woods.
David: I am glad you gave that tomato some company.
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