April 12

In the orchard

Freezing cold outside last night.  I was plenty warm, but my water bladder did freeze during the night.  The trail this morning was absolutely beautiful.  Leaving Russel Field and heading into Spence Field a few miles ahead, the trees thinned out significantly.  We walked among more open areas with large, old trees that looked like they could be some type of fruit trees.  I was thinking maybe a long time ago this area might have been some homestead with orchards on top the the ridges.  We've hiked up out of the full on spring bloom now, and as we crossed over the 5527 ft of Thunderhead Mountain, the views were incredible.  The whole of the Smokies were laid out at our feet.  We rolled down into some gaps at around 4500 feet.  That should give you a good idea of the massiveness of the Smokies.  The gaps are still above 4500.  Incredible.  Hiked past 3 shelters today, and ended up at Double Spring Gap shelter for a big 16.4 mile day.  The trail so far in the Smokies has been really nice.  A bit rutted out in places, but easy hiking over all.  And the weather has been perfect.  Not a cloud in the sky.  Around 70 during the day, and in the 30s at night.  The shelter at Double Spring was packed, so I had to pitch my tent.  KB, Thai Dye, and I are planning to wake up early and hike up to Clingman's Dome to watch the sunrise!

me on the AT near Spence Field, approaching Thunderhead Mnt, GSMNP