Hiking for the new year

Dudes and Dudettes! What an awesome day hike the Mysterious One and I took on Sunday the first calendar day of 2012.
It was challenging in several ways, including the approximate 13 mls we covered w/ an elevation gain on the Bull Head trail of just about 4000'. The often wet, windy weather and temperatures fluctuating with the variables of altitude, wind, and cloud cover, and the added physical challenges because of these, allowed us to further appreciate the forest and mountains in the present. Times were slowed some by these elements but they also made for sometimes seemingly fictitious settings while hiking through clouds on quiet paths, with the rhododendron's green appearing bright through the misty shroud.
In the one picture the Mysterious One is on the clouded trail just before lunch and we are probably around 5000'+, the other is of Rainbow Falls, and the other is just why the call 'em the Smokies!
Hiking this day was not for the ill prepared or wimps and as our gear was adequate I re-learned more about hiking mountains in the winter. Most importantly is to be prepared for just a little bit more than "I think" I'll need because given the space in my day pack that I did not use an extra bit of food, another dry layer ready if needed, and something besides my full length jacket for a shelter would have been good to have. For shelter I mean like a 5'x 8' poly tarp or something. Something light and versatile.
And of course some hot coffee for the Mysterious One at lunch sure would have won some points! Peace