Hiking in the GSMNP during the president's Government shutdown

Wow! I have had the opportunity to hike a few times in the Great Smoky Mountains NP, since this mindless government shutdown and have been surprised how many people are there! Mostly Christmas traffic it appears with folks just driving around and through the park.

On the 24th, I went otg near the Middle Prong trail and enjoyed the quiet noise of the streams.
Today the 27th, "The Mysterious One", and I walked up the Lumber Ridge trail for a couple of miles in sometimes extremely strong winds when on the exposed side of the mountain or near passes.  Much of the road system in the park was closed throughout the day due to downed trees.


Hopefully the federal employees all across the country and elsewhere will be back to work soon.