Date: 3/27/04
Starting Location: Russell Field Shelter
Destination: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles: 16.4
Total Miles: 201.8
Another absolutely amazing day. Really started to get into the heart of the Smokies with Professor T today, walking over several grassy balds and open fields. The sun made it very warm and sweaty on some of the tougher uphill climbs, and my feet were definitely complaining more today than yesterday. Pushed a couple extra miles over the "Narrows" (GSMNP's version of Katahdin's Knife Edge, though grassy) up to the shelter here at about 5500'. At this elevation, it's the first stand of conifers I've seen on the entire trail thus far—makes me feel like home in Vermont! Perched up here, Professor T and I are planning on waking at 4am to catch the sunrise from the summit of Clingmans Dome tomorrow—only 3 miles up the trail and the highest point on the A.T. 4am.....yes, it's definitely time for bed (7pm). P.S. Very sad—my first night at a shelter without my hiking buddy Semicolon since Neels Gap. Hope I see her up the trail again soon!
