Day 21: Over the Mtn to mile 210

Today may have been one of the best for hiking yet.

We woke up in our tents in about 33 degree weather. Maybe coldest yet.

The hike up Clingman's was easy but crazy as we gained elevation and saw iced plants with wind blown frost like capes for each stem.

Clingman's itself was ok. Good views and we were lucky to be there on a clear day. We were more excited about the possibility of getting snacks at the gift shop. Sarah and Becca went down to the store and came back with chocolate bars, gronala cubes, a jar of preserves, and a jar of pickles. Sward and I devoured the pickles while becca spooned the unadulterated preserves straight into her mouth. She was very hyper for a long time. Her name should be sugar high.

After Clingman's we had the best trail ever. It reminded me of Oregon with the moss and evergreens. It continued nearly all the way to Newfound Gap.

I was the first to get to the gap where a guy walked uo.to me and like a drug dealer mentioned trail magic under his breathe. Our magic dealer turned out to be Trail Hard, a very nice trail angel who had provided a much lauded BBQ for many people the day we left. Fontana Dam. Unfortunately we had left too early catch his BBQ.

Trail Hard explained that for some reason the NPS charges $50 for a permit to give trail magic at the gap, hence he was keeping it on the DL. He had to leave soon and so offered.me.to take all the snacks and soda I wanted and said it was OK to stash some.for.becca Sarah and ghost. Becca came up just before he left and Sarah and ghost.got.to dig into the stash I had hoarded.

3 miles.from the gap is the shelter and Becca and I just enjoyed buffalo chicken flavored rice with a chicken packet and a bag of cool ranch doritos crunched up into the rice. Maybe the best dinner yet.

Hopefully we wake.up.to see the sunrise on the ridge we are looking over as we eat.