April 20: Since we had such a low mileage day the day before, a bunch of the people at the shelter decided to get up at 3am and do a night hike to Clingman's Dome (the highest point on the AT) to watch the sun rise. Since the temperature had dropped to 15 degrees, there was nothing that appealed to me LESS. So I snuggled back down on my bag and slept until 7. My solo morning hike was the nicest one so far on the trail. I crunched along over the frozen ground, looking at the frozen trees with the sun glowing. I started hiking with every item of clothing I had packed but quickly delayered as I progressed.
As I made my way from Clingman's Dome to the Newfound Gap trail, I started talking to a retired couple from Louisiana who had driven up to the dome. They ended up giving me a ride into Gatlinberg. I rode in back with their dog, Dale Ernhardt.
In Gatlinberg, I reunited with my friend, Gene, who I hadn't seen on a few years. Chiclet & Spoon ended up getting a room at a hotel where Coon and Slick were staying, so Gene and I walked around Gatlinberg, and took care of the town stuff I need to do at each stop ( shower, laundry, re-supply, blog) and ate ice cream.
In Gatlinberg, I reunited with my friend, Gene, who I hadn't seen on a few years. Chiclet & Spoon ended up getting a room at a hotel where Coon and Slick were staying, so Gene and I walked around Gatlinberg, and took care of the town stuff I need to do at each stop ( shower, laundry, re-supply, blog) and ate ice cream.
Finally, we all met for pizza at The Mellow Mushroom.
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