Weekends away...

Hello, this weekends excursion began atop Clingmans Dome. Damn, I need to remember what the CD bypass trail is all about next time and stop starting my walks from here w/ a 1/2 mile up the cement walkway! Just as I was arriving at the AT someone asked "are you thru hiking?", to which I responded "know I'm just getting started". I missed that one! A few seconds later I understood what she meant and laughed at myself.
Soon after I began I started greeting hikers who were going towards the dome in varied sorts of clothing, gear and physical make-up. The first man had no shirt on and a log for a walking stick, the next was a short man round man "struggling" w/ the incline and rocks asking me how far to the next shelter. To which I replied that the dome was less than a mile and did not go into any specifics about mileage to Mt.Collins. Didn't want to scare him because he was tired and any of you who know that portion of the AT and direction he was heading know what he was facing in his shape. The next encounter involved two chaps looking determined as we exchanged greetings in our passing.
The winds were strong w/ gust approaching 30mph+, grayish sky, temperatures in the mid 50's, and the Knoxville forecast calling for the possibility of rain more likely Saturday morning.
The Flowers were were bright and plentiful. All sorts of colors and sizes were displayed over the next 3 days bringing feelings of peace, wonder, and appreciation of the little things.
After passing by Double Springs Shelter and some folks fixing some dinner I had the trail alone to myself until reaching the shleter at Silers Bald, at which I met some of, but not all, my shelter mates for the night. The wind was strong. "Rainman"; ask about him in the comments, was it appeared an experienced and impatient AT hiker I gathered over the next 14 hours, and he was hiking w/ 2 others, w/ a third joining them along the trail to Davenport Gap. Most of the folks I encountered at this shelter Friday night and those that passed through Saturday morning before I got out were calling themselves "thru-hikers". One man, "blackjack", remembered me from a couple of years ago and my first stay along the AT at Mt. Collins. His trail title and physical shape did seem familiar. I'll check my notes about that walk later. Saturday Morning I gave thanks to the "spirits that be" for the sleep I got and the opportunity to experience this windy, gray, morning. AT hikers began arriving as quick as the those I had met already had left, and I prepared my pack for the descent into "the valley below". And then it rained. This day's walk was via the Welch Ridge Trail, to Jonas Creek, and picking up the Forney Creek trail up to Campsite #68 (which has 2 sections a couple hundred yards apart). Along this 11 mile+ walk I saw lots of birds, a deer, squirrels and chipmunks and only 3 hikers in form just before I reached #68. Though there was a tent and fire at #70 a "dual-use" site. Here at this trail intersection I shed my rain gear w/ hope and a prayer. On a previous excursion I stayed at #69 which is a larger site w/ lots of water, though #68 gets you right to the base of serious climbing for the ascent back up Clingman's, I'd say 4000'+-, and water "a plenty". This is where I would recommend to begin most last day walks for this route or similar ones.


Sunday morning it looked like it had rained though the moisture was a combination of humidity, dew, and previous rain on the surface contributing to the humidity. I had some coffee, GORP, and began the 4 plus vertical miles to the CD parking area. Along the way I was giving the opportunity to experience awesome views, flowers and wildlife, w/ some peace and acceptance within myself. Thanks again to the spirits that be. Peace.