jm: Latest Adventure

Johnny and his friend Scott Davis set out in late April at Davenport Gap, on the east end of the Smokies, aiming to cross the Smokies at their widest point, on the Appalachian Trail. They climbed into a cool and sunny day, finally reaching a snow line and elevations high enough to where the trees were covered in rime ice. The 16 mile hike led them to Tricorner Knob Shelter, where they ran into the first of many Appalachian Trail through hikers, who were headed north. The night chilled down to 26°, but a fireplace in the shelter helped pass the evening.

Near Lower Mount Cammerer Trail Rime ice coats the trees along the Appalachian Trail

The next day, the pair continued southbound on the Appalachian Trail, in the high country spruce-fir forest. The views were far reaching, especially at Charlies Bunion, a rock outcrop with vistas extending into Tennessee as far as the eye can see. another long day lead them in into Icewater Springs shelter, where they bumped with more Appalachian Trail through hikers.

Johnny and Scott at the Icewater Springs shelter

Charlies Bunion

Scott rests in front of Icewater Springs shelter

At the Narrows in the Smokies

Late on the second night the winds started blowing and they continued for the remainder of the trip. After crossing Newfound Gap, the pair met Scott's mom at Indian Gap, where she graciously provided us with a restocking and supplies as well as some fresh barbecue. We were very thankful for her help. she also shared food with Appalachian trail through hikers who were passing by and were surprised to get doughnuts, bananas, apples, barbecue and more.

Scott's mom, Ruth, brought us a resupply Spring beauties

Johnny and Scott continued on the Appalachian Trail through the Smokies, making the ascent over Clingmans Dome. Stupendous views lay ahead beyond the dome, but the winds were wailing at upwards of 40 miles an hour. In late afternoon, the two of them made Siler's Bald Shelter, a ridgetop camp where the winds were ripping so strongly Johnny made only the smallest of cooking fires.

Beyond Siler's Bald, the crest of the Smokies leaves the spruce-fir forest, entering hardwoods. The trees had not begun to leaf out and beneath them grew thousands upon thousands upon thousands of wildflowers, especially spring beauties and trout lilies.

Trout lilies Bluets beside the Appalachian Trail

They spent their final night at mile Mollies Ridge shelter, where an incessant wind made camping conditions challenging. An early night to bed had been well rested for the final push to Fontana Dam, where they completed their 72 mile trip across the Smokies in 96 hours. Scott's mom Ruth was there waiting and we were glad, as a rain had begun.

Appalachian Trail near Fontana Dam

Near Mount Guyot