Smoky Mountains
Whew! Lyle and company are now out of the Smoky Mountains National Park. They started out on the day after the bear attack which took place 20 miles SW of their location. More bear warnings were posted but no sightings--thank God!
They had expectations that the hike was going to be less difficult than it had been so far, but that was not the case--miles of wilderness and continuous ups and downs (again!). The difference on this stretch was that there were no towns to visit to replenish supplies and rest. The shelters were full with day hikers so they spent the nights on what little even ground they could find in their tents. I don't mind telling you that this meant big time concern for me after the bear news! Unfortunately, even ground was in short supply so in most cases the night was spent sliding to the lower end of the tent. The bright spot was the day after Easter. They emerged from the forest on to Hwy 441 to trail magic! A group of 3 women from the area (Gatlinburg) got up early and cooked a full meal to serve to the hikers. They set up tables and passed out hot roast pork, potato salad, fresh fruit, soda and homemade pie! The hikers were more than surprised and very appreciative. Lyle asked why they picked the day after Easter and it was the only day that they could all get the time off together. The women have been doing this for the past 17 years but next year is uncertain. The U.S. government has decided that they need to purchase a permit to serve next year! I can't believe that they don't have more important things to worry about! :(
Today they stopped at Mountain Mama's for hamburgers at mid day. They were wonderful and just the fuel to keep going--back up the mountain again. They've had good weather for the most part until today (Wednesday). They hiked over 3 hours in the rain and gusty winds. They figure some of the winds were up to 50 and 60 mph. The saying for the day is "When you're walking in the rain you only get wet once!" Then it blew on through and turned hot and steamy. When I talked with Lyle tonight he said that they had everything hanging out to dry. The weather is warm and sunny so it shouldn't take too long to dry out. And, the bonus was that they found a beautiful flat spot surrounded by water to camp. It was warm enough to take a full bath! And, there is just enough flat ground for each of the 4 to have a good tent site. Lyle expects that this will be the best night's sleep in 3 days! They have just passed Interstate 40 and Crosby Shelter. They will be able to reach Hot Springs easily on Friday which is the plan. That is the next big stopping spot to find comfortable lodging, hot food, showers...you know the simple pleasures of life! :)
Hot Springs (NC) is where Lyle's informal group will be splitting up. He is planning to stay two nights, one of the fellas is leaving the trail as planned (he is done with his hike for the year), and the other two are through hikers. They will probably be pushing on again early Saturday. So Lyle will be hooking up with a new group. He mentioned "No Falls" who has been hiking a similar pace lately. He might be a new trail buddy, but it depends upon who heads out on Sunday morning at the same time as Lyle.
This has been a long entry but I haven't had a chance to post an update lately. I looked over all of my notes from our various conversations, and I think I've mentioned all of the highlights. Lyle has said several times that this has been more difficult than he expected because of the demands on his body day-after-day. He is happy that he decided to do half this year and half next year, and that he is not trying to keep up with the through hikers. He has been able to take some pictures along the way lately so that means he is getting some breaks. Easter was a bit tough being away from family, but it was a real gift for him that when he got through to me on the cell phone that he was able to talk with some of his brothers and sisters too. That helped him get over the hump (no pun intended!).
I'll post again in a few days. Thank you so much for visiting the site and for your prayers for Lyle and gang.
They had expectations that the hike was going to be less difficult than it had been so far, but that was not the case--miles of wilderness and continuous ups and downs (again!). The difference on this stretch was that there were no towns to visit to replenish supplies and rest. The shelters were full with day hikers so they spent the nights on what little even ground they could find in their tents. I don't mind telling you that this meant big time concern for me after the bear news! Unfortunately, even ground was in short supply so in most cases the night was spent sliding to the lower end of the tent. The bright spot was the day after Easter. They emerged from the forest on to Hwy 441 to trail magic! A group of 3 women from the area (Gatlinburg) got up early and cooked a full meal to serve to the hikers. They set up tables and passed out hot roast pork, potato salad, fresh fruit, soda and homemade pie! The hikers were more than surprised and very appreciative. Lyle asked why they picked the day after Easter and it was the only day that they could all get the time off together. The women have been doing this for the past 17 years but next year is uncertain. The U.S. government has decided that they need to purchase a permit to serve next year! I can't believe that they don't have more important things to worry about! :(
Today they stopped at Mountain Mama's for hamburgers at mid day. They were wonderful and just the fuel to keep going--back up the mountain again. They've had good weather for the most part until today (Wednesday). They hiked over 3 hours in the rain and gusty winds. They figure some of the winds were up to 50 and 60 mph. The saying for the day is "When you're walking in the rain you only get wet once!" Then it blew on through and turned hot and steamy. When I talked with Lyle tonight he said that they had everything hanging out to dry. The weather is warm and sunny so it shouldn't take too long to dry out. And, the bonus was that they found a beautiful flat spot surrounded by water to camp. It was warm enough to take a full bath! And, there is just enough flat ground for each of the 4 to have a good tent site. Lyle expects that this will be the best night's sleep in 3 days! They have just passed Interstate 40 and Crosby Shelter. They will be able to reach Hot Springs easily on Friday which is the plan. That is the next big stopping spot to find comfortable lodging, hot food, showers...you know the simple pleasures of life! :)
Hot Springs (NC) is where Lyle's informal group will be splitting up. He is planning to stay two nights, one of the fellas is leaving the trail as planned (he is done with his hike for the year), and the other two are through hikers. They will probably be pushing on again early Saturday. So Lyle will be hooking up with a new group. He mentioned "No Falls" who has been hiking a similar pace lately. He might be a new trail buddy, but it depends upon who heads out on Sunday morning at the same time as Lyle.
This has been a long entry but I haven't had a chance to post an update lately. I looked over all of my notes from our various conversations, and I think I've mentioned all of the highlights. Lyle has said several times that this has been more difficult than he expected because of the demands on his body day-after-day. He is happy that he decided to do half this year and half next year, and that he is not trying to keep up with the through hikers. He has been able to take some pictures along the way lately so that means he is getting some breaks. Easter was a bit tough being away from family, but it was a real gift for him that when he got through to me on the cell phone that he was able to talk with some of his brothers and sisters too. That helped him get over the hump (no pun intended!).
I'll post again in a few days. Thank you so much for visiting the site and for your prayers for Lyle and gang.
posted by Trail Widow | 5:14 PM
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