April 15 (Day 29) - Zero Day in Gatlinburg, TN

Hammy wasn't feeling well, so we decided to spend another day in Gatlinburg.  I adventured to the other end of Gatlinburg on foot and found Food City.  After purchasing some snacks and "sick supplies," I decided to utilize the trolley system to return to the Grand Prix Motel.  Perhaps a little decadent for trail life (but so delicious), I prepared a light lunch of brie and pear on French bread.

Packrat returned from visiting his family and stayed the night at the Grand Prix Motel.  We spoke briefly in the evening, and he shared some homemade trail bars with us, before retiring to his room.

April 14 (Day 28) - Zero Day in Gatlinburg, TN

Today, we came to the realization that alcohol the night before tends to lead to a zero day.  It's not that we were hungover; it's more that we hadn't completed our intended goals from yesterday.  Hammy and I both struggle in keeping our blogs updated.  Battery life and scant service are problematic, but more than anything, we just don't feel like writing after a long day of hiking.  At day's end, we're usually exhausted from hiking and ready to collapse into our sleeping bags after setting up camp and eating dinner.

I realize that we need to accelerate our pace at some point, and the numerous zero days weigh heavily upon our budget.  However, I was grateful for today's opportunity to soak in a hot bath, tend my blisters, and catch up on my blogging.

The photo for today is one of my gear, exploded out of my bag on the floor.  Hikers affectionately term this a "hiker bomb."

April 13 (Day 27) - Clingman's Dome to New Found Gap

Packrat departed early, determined to hitchhike to Knoxville and visit family.  Meanwhile, Hammy and I decided to take advantage of the cheap accommodations at the Grand Prix Motel and easy trail access via shuttle.  We secured our room for another night and left most of our gear in it.  Carrying only food, water, and a first aid kit, we "slack-packed" from Clingman's Dome to New Found Gap.

At New Found Gap, we hitched a ride back into Gatlinburg.  We ate at the Smoky Mountain Brewery and returned to our room, pleasantly full...and perhaps a little tipsy.

April 12 (Day 26) - Double Spring Gap Shelter to Clingman's Dome

Today, we ceased hiking the Appalachian Trail and began hiking the Appalachian Stream.  Runoff from the mountain turned just about every part of the trail into a flowing deluge.  Hammy and I hiked about three miles to the Clingman's Dome parking area, where we met Simone.

Simone gave us some supplies that we had left with her and drove us into Gatlinburg.  We secured a room at the Grand Prix Motel, and shortly thereafter, Packrat rejoined us.  The three of us ventured to Shoney's and gorged ourselves on the all-you-can-eat buffet.

With regard to my pack malfunctions, I did call Arc'teryx, today.  The representative was sympathetic to my plight and agreed to send a new pack to my drop location in Hot Springs.  I'm pumped that I'll have a new, functional pack in one week's time.

April 11 (Day 25) - Derrick Knob Shelter to Double Spring Gap Shelter

Packrat, Smalls, and Dark Age got an early start, but Hammy and I lingered at Double Spring Gap.  I developed several blisters, during the previous evening's hike, and spent the morning addressing them.  Meanwhile, Hammy got some beauty rest...for four hours.

A hail storm was predicted to start sometime in the afternoon, and we hurried to Silers Bald Shelter.  Once there, we stopped briefly for a snack and to greet other hikers.  Since the next shelter was only 1.7 miles away, we decided to press our luck and set out to hike a bit further.

We, again, met up with the Warrior Hike contingent, as well as Smalls and Dark Age.  Though, Packrat had apparently pushed farther.  Hammy and I set up camp and began cooking.

 

I had the misfortune of discovering Foster's cans, even ones coated with heat-resistant paint, do not survive repeated exposure to open flame.  My pot stand collapsed, spilling my boiling water on the ground, and I was forced to hold the pot over my stove, while I boiled more.

Around 9 PM, the storm finally arrived.  Gusty winds, rain, and hail assaulted our tents, while lightning crackled all around us.
 

April 10 (Day 24) - Birch Spring Gap to Derrick Knob Shelter

We set out early from the campsite at Birch Spring Gap, ready for a long day.  Our intent was to catch up to Underpants, El Gato, and Simone.

Not far into the hike, the clasp on my hip belt exploded.  It marked the third malfunction of my Arc'teryx Altra 65 pack, including a broken zipper pull and a broken tooth on the load transfer disc.  To continue on, I tied the hip belt in a knot; this helped keep some weight on my hips, but the bulky nylon knot wore a hole in my base layer.

At Rocky Top, we met two other hikers, Smalls and Dark Age.  The two convinced us to attempt a 30-mile day, pushing toward Clingman's Dome by sunrise.  However, we all grew weary and sore by the time we reached Derrick Knob Shelter, 17 miles from our initial starting point, and we stopped for the night.

April 9 (Day 23) - Fontana Dam to Birch Spring Gap

We rushed to pack, this morning, as it was difficult to leave the soft beds of our room.  Then, we ventured to the laundry facilities, general store, and post office.  After securing our mail drops, we laundered our clothes and purchased sundries at the store.

Simone found us there and offered us a lift back to the trail.  She was disappointed that we had not started hiking the Smokies with her and Underpants, and we expressed that we were likewise disappointed.  We sincerely wanted to catch up.

Simone deposited us at the dam, itself, and after taking some photos, we began our hike into Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  Along the way, we met some members of the Warrior Hike, Machine, Popeye, and 3G.

The Warrior Hike in collaboration with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy created the Walk Off the War program to support wounded veterans transitioning from military service.  Learn more at:  www.warriorhike.com