The portion of the AT which runs through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is tough.
We hiked in from the "Fontana Hilton" on 5/8/13. The hike was approximately 11 miles including hiking across the dam with a wonderful view of the lake and the mountains we were just about to climb. A brief rain shower during the walk across the dam welcomed us to the Smoky Mountains. In the time it took to walk across the dam, the shower cleared and just enough sun was able to cause some "smoke" to rise off the hillsides. After about a mile we found the AT thru-hiker permit deposit box at the trail head. This is the first year that the National Park is requiring thru hikers to buy a $20 permit before entering the park. It is also the only segment of the trail that hikers must pay to pass through. The fine is $125 and I haven't heard of anyone being hassled yet, but we shall see. Entering the park is a climb that took most of the afternoon. It was long, but nothing too difficult.
We hiked in from the "Fontana Hilton" on 5/8/13. The hike was approximately 11 miles including hiking across the dam with a wonderful view of the lake and the mountains we were just about to climb. A brief rain shower during the walk across the dam welcomed us to the Smoky Mountains. In the time it took to walk across the dam, the shower cleared and just enough sun was able to cause some "smoke" to rise off the hillsides. After about a mile we found the AT thru-hiker permit deposit box at the trail head. This is the first year that the National Park is requiring thru hikers to buy a $20 permit before entering the park. It is also the only segment of the trail that hikers must pay to pass through. The fine is $125 and I haven't heard of anyone being hassled yet, but we shall see. Entering the park is a climb that took most of the afternoon. It was long, but nothing too difficult.
Two days aftr hiking into the park, I found out that my very dear friends little sister had passed. Sarah and I have been best friend's since we met in 5th grade and she introduced Kris and I in 7th grade. It was the first sunny day in about a week when Kris and I stopped for lunch and got the message. We could not get any calls in or out for 2 days afterward. This was the first time I wanted to leave the trail. It was so tough knowing where I needed to be but not being able to get there. My heart hurt so bad for Sarah and her parents, Tina and John. Alea Crider was a beautiful 19 year old girl that loved to laugh. It has been incredibly hard and I can't imagine the pain her family is going through. Please say a prayer for them.
We have passed through the Smokys now. It was tough but beautiful none the less. Rocky Top Mountain was a breathtaking and stunning view that I hope to visit again some day.
I love you, I miss you, and thank you for blogging. xo mj
ReplyDeleteThis is great , thanks for sharing Amanda
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