Gatlinburg

It was Gatlinburg in mid-July, and we just hit town, and our throats were dry. So we sat down and grabbed ourselves some brews. Johnny Cash knew what he was talking about. We just arrived in Gatlinburg after 205 miles and about three weeks...including three zero mileage days. 10% down, 1970 miles to go. Celebrate the little accomplishments, right? Anyway, we just got back from the Smokey Mountain microbrewery/pizza pub and we are definitely glad for a break. We bypassed the showers in Fontana so my parents could have the full thru-hiker effect when they picked us up half way through the Smokies. Yesterday we crossed Clingman's Dome at 6,643 feet in 35+ mph winds, rain, and fog; supposedly the views are great, but I couldn't see my hand in front of my face so we kept on truckin'. The trail is still fairly crowded, but most of the people who have no business in the woods have packed up and headed home. The back country in the Smokies is absolutely pristine because you can only camp at designated shelters or campsites, which is also annoying when you try to plan the day's mileage. We often find ourselves saying we could go another three miles, but the next shelter isn't for six miles. Life's tough decisions on the trail. We should be in Hot Springs by next weekend, baring any unforeseen circumstances. We hope all is well at home, and we can't wait to see you on the trail.