A 13.5 day. Troy and I hiked into my Collins shelter which included going up and over Clingmans dome 6685 ft. The day was pretty overcast so I didn't make the side trip to go up the great concrete towers up there. I did get close enought to hear the people who drove up grouse about how loisey the view was. It was a uphill and the. A down hill day. I had thought there must be at least a soda machine up there and I had spent the last couple days psyching myself up for an orange crush. Troy said there was nothing up there. Maybe a drinking fountain in the parking lot but that makes the diversion closer to a mile. I just keep moving. I did notice on the way up and closer to the top the mountain ash and their red berries were out in force. Also I noticed for the first time the smell of spruce. Everything is dark and covered with moss. Damp. Did I say damp? On the north side of clingman I also noticed beech it's falling. I have yet to see a familiar birch. Although there are some very dark trees that have leaves and bark that might be a birch.
I have this debate going on. Especially after seeing the focus (tunnel vision?) of those first few SOBO. You have to hike your own hike. Do I focus on getting to Damascus, or 500 miles? Or do I take what I can get and enjoy? In the morning and on the flats, I'm going for 500-- around 4 pm I'm here for the trip, just the trip. And to the person, everyone I have spoken to, seems to think being able to go until your wife comes and gets you is a very cool way to go.
0°, 0°
I have this debate going on. Especially after seeing the focus (tunnel vision?) of those first few SOBO. You have to hike your own hike. Do I focus on getting to Damascus, or 500 miles? Or do I take what I can get and enjoy? In the morning and on the flats, I'm going for 500-- around 4 pm I'm here for the trip, just the trip. And to the person, everyone I have spoken to, seems to think being able to go until your wife comes and gets you is a very cool way to go.
0°, 0°
Sent from my iPhone
Sounds like you are gaining wisdom FG! Enjoy the ride man. proud of u, thanks for all your blogging! Lovin it buddy...
ReplyDeleteHiking until your wife comes to get you? She's got to find you first, and then try to catch you!!! You've got your hiker legs now, so I doubt she could, right? Sorry you couldn't go to Clingman's Dome - the view is amazing on clear days. Also sorry you didn't get your orange crush. . . the rangers try to discourage vending machines due to the fact that tourists are a messy bunch and don't use the trash cans, which leads to bear problems. I don't think you will be seeing birch trees for a while yet. You're looking good!
ReplyDelete