Day 27 – Clingman’s Dome to Icewater Spring Shelter

“On the road again. Goin’ places that I’ve never been. Seein’ things that I may never see again. And I can’t wait to get on the road again” – Willie Nelson 

A chance of rain showers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny. High near 57, with temperatures falling to around 52 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 15 to 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall DP pop amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Up at 8:46. Showered and packed, then went to Flapjacks for a quick breakfast. Shuttle picked me up at 10:00. Lolly got picked up before me. We got dropped off at Clingman’s Dome visitor parking lot. Great view down to Fontana Dam. We hiked to Clingman’s Dome tower and got there at 11:00. 

Lolly was not feeling well and moving slowly. We parted ways after about 1 mile. She was still not feeling well and did not want me to wait for her. She has plenty of bailout points if needed. I pushed on, making good time towards Newfound Gap. I summited Mount Collins at 12:45.

Crossed through a gate designed to keep wild hogs out at 2:40. And it started sleeting…or is it hail when the pellets are the size of small peas?

Reached Newfound Gap at 3:15. Talked to a couple of backcountry patrol folks who just wanted to make sure everything was okay. Had a snack, took a picture, at the TN / NC border sign, and headed up the trail. Got 3 more miles to Icewater Shelter.

Sleeted and rained on and off on the way to the shelter. 

Got to Icewater Spring shelter at 5:00. There are 9 others here, including a ridge runner. We are in a cloud with drizzle. No working privy up here. Cold, windy, and damp. 5900 feet elevation here. Going down to 30. Got my filter in my sleeping bag to keep from freezing. It’s uncomfortably cold and damp!

Ate at 6:00, then got into my quilt and put on all my layers, my buff, and gloves. Mornings are going to suck.

Texted with Dana. Just trying to stay warm! May put on my rain jacket to sleep and stay warm. Gonna wear the heavy sealskin gloves to sleep. 7:30 in bed.

Tomorrow looks easy. Good weather and 12.6 miles without a lot of big hills.

Technical Notes:

• Apple juice: 226
• Two eggs: 160
• Corned beef hash: 500
• Hash browns: 150
• Snickers: 250
• Trail mix: 270
• Dehydrated pork: 170
• Ramen: 740
• Water liters: 1.7
• Miles: 11.1
• Time: 6:00
• Elevation gain: 2606
• Calories consumed: 2400
• Calories burned: 3500