March 26, 2000

Mount Collins, Tn · 13 Miles Hiked Today · 199 of 2167 Miles Hiked Total

Today was an awesome day! I started at 7:30 heading up towards Clingman's Dome and quickly ascended into a coniferous forest, a big change from the hardwoods (oak and birch) below. Clingman's Dome is the highest point on the AT at 6,642 feet. I had lunch at the top of the observation tower, even though the wind was blowing and it was 38 degrees. From there it was a two hour drop down to the shelter. I am now 200 miles from Springer, close to 10% complete!

Two other bonuses for today were 1) my legs felt great, and 2) when I stopped to go to the bathroom, found a log with 11/2" of moss that made for a soft "resting place." Its the little things in life.

Tonight it will be a full shelter, half of us from the previous two nights, so a good group.