Sorry for the doubled up emails but this is the first internet signal we've had in six days.
On May 24 we woke up at Mt Collins Shelter, four miles from Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the Appalachian Trail. Everything was wet from 24 previous hours of rain. At 38 degrees, 100% humidity and sunshine completely out of the question, no clothes or equipment were drying out. Best Wife and Pappy 12 left camp at 8:00 am with plans for a 15 mile day. By noon we had only hiked a grand total of 4.4 miles to the summit of Clingmans Dome. The wind was whipping us around like a couple of beach balls.
The summit of Clingmans Dome is unfortunately covered by asphalt paths leading to a 30 foot high observation platform. A spiral elevated concrete ramp allows folks (maybe even wheelchairs) access to the observation platform.
We had just removed our packs at the base of this ramp so we could cram as much food as possible down our throats. But it was so windy and cold we couldn't figure out which was worse, freezing or starving to death. Just then a park ranger came hustling down the ramp telling everybody that a warning had just been issued for 60mph winds accompanied by hail. No sooner had she passed on the warning when cantaloupe size raindrops began to fall, sideways. We shoved everything back in our packs and ran for cover under the concrete ramp. We lucked out big time when we found an old abandoned storage room built in to the base of the ramp. Thankfully out of the elements, we were able to eat.
The summit of Clingmans Dome is unfortunately covered by asphalt paths leading to a 30 foot high observation platform. A spiral elevated concrete ramp allows folks (maybe even wheelchairs) access to the observation platform.
We had just removed our packs at the base of this ramp so we could cram as much food as possible down our throats. But it was so windy and cold we couldn't figure out which was worse, freezing or starving to death. Just then a park ranger came hustling down the ramp telling everybody that a warning had just been issued for 60mph winds accompanied by hail. No sooner had she passed on the warning when cantaloupe size raindrops began to fall, sideways. We shoved everything back in our packs and ran for cover under the concrete ramp. We lucked out big time when we found an old abandoned storage room built in to the base of the ramp. Thankfully out of the elements, we were able to eat.
With all the runoff from the rain, the second 4 miles of the day were hiked through the Appalachian Trail River.
With weather like this blocking any views, we have been able to better focus on the unique dense forest at high elevations in the Great Smokey Mountain Natl Park. Hope you enjoy the photos.
Check out the size of the rock stuck up within the roots on the underside of a downed tree. It's a big boy.
Sent from my iPhone
I recognize that rock! And the wild boar fence crossing! May you find the sunshine again!
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