April 21
I woke this morning just a little after 6am with my first thought being that this was my 41st wedding anniversary! I dressed and packed my gear as quickly as I could. I have no phone service at all in these mountains, but Johnny often does. My plan was to get packed first, then borrow his phone for an anniversary wake up call. It worked! At 7am, Susan answered the phone and sang the Happy Anniversary song to me. A great way to start the day!
As for the rest of the day, it was the most challenging climbing day yet. We did more elevation today than ever before and much of it was straight up. It was worth it, however. The views were glorious and the sky was clear. We could see forever! Christ Bald was exceptionally beautiful. After an impossible climb we broke out onto the grassy bald at over 5,000 feet. Below us and for as far as we could see were mountains and valleys and rivers. Robins were hopping around the bald and the air was cool and fresh. It couldn't have been more perfect.
Tonight I am camped on a ridgeline at close to 4,000 feet. I can see the lights of homes and Towns off both sides of the ridge. The wind is blowing hard across the ridge, but it is not supposed to freeze tonight. I have reached mile number 150 on the trail. That puts me about 15 miles from Fontana Dam and the start of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Happy Anniversary, Susan. I'm sorry I couldn't be there.
I woke this morning just a little after 6am with my first thought being that this was my 41st wedding anniversary! I dressed and packed my gear as quickly as I could. I have no phone service at all in these mountains, but Johnny often does. My plan was to get packed first, then borrow his phone for an anniversary wake up call. It worked! At 7am, Susan answered the phone and sang the Happy Anniversary song to me. A great way to start the day!
As for the rest of the day, it was the most challenging climbing day yet. We did more elevation today than ever before and much of it was straight up. It was worth it, however. The views were glorious and the sky was clear. We could see forever! Christ Bald was exceptionally beautiful. After an impossible climb we broke out onto the grassy bald at over 5,000 feet. Below us and for as far as we could see were mountains and valleys and rivers. Robins were hopping around the bald and the air was cool and fresh. It couldn't have been more perfect.
Tonight I am camped on a ridgeline at close to 4,000 feet. I can see the lights of homes and Towns off both sides of the ridge. The wind is blowing hard across the ridge, but it is not supposed to freeze tonight. I have reached mile number 150 on the trail. That puts me about 15 miles from Fontana Dam and the start of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Happy Anniversary, Susan. I'm sorry I couldn't be there.
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