Cool and cloudy this morning,h blue sky early afternoon warming to about 60. Then cloudy, cooler, and fog, followed by rain. Cold and wet when we got to the shelter. The forecast had been seven days sunny but Greg sent an email with news of the tropical depression. Within an hour, the forecast here had rain tonight aftrer midnight and in the morning. Guess it got here early.
We left Gatlinburg and the Grand Prix Motel this morning. Harry runs a good place for hikers. Recommended. Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge is an incredible tourist trap. Interesting to see though.
Hiking north from Newfound Gap to Davenport Gap - 15+ miles today and 16 tomorrow. The Smokies are very nice - like the Shenandoahs but with the altitudes of the Whites. The vegetation is different at the higher altitudes, not alpine but more like some mountains out west. It is a bit too regulated - no camping, reservations required at shelters - but the are not charging fees and they make exceptions for thru-hikers. I like it here.
Passed quite a fee hikers going south this afternoon. The shelter south will have lots of people in it tonight. Met a couple who sounded Dutch who started their hike in Virginia. Also met Tenderfoot who is doing a second hike of the AT. When she gets to Springer, she will only have Maine left.
We are sharing the shelter with Sam and his daughter Sunny. They are pit for four days hiking the Smokies. Samoa a traveling nurse who takes temporary jobs in various interesting places. Currently working to get an assignment in the Virgin Islands.
Saw a half dozen wild turkeys this morning and one grouse.
It is raining hard now. We are up on the top level, about three feet away from the metal roof. It is getting cold but I am in my sleeping bag. It is sure nice to be dry and warm. Hope it improves by morning.
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