Day 25

The skies cleared in the morning and we started on our way with stunning views as we walked the ridge.  Today we finish the Smoky Mountains.

The first part of the day was mostly downhill.  

My back is sore.  Not sure why.  I have been losing weight so maybe the pack needs adjustment.  I took ibuprofen last night so I could get to sleep.

As we got lower the flora became lusher and we crossed over a number of steams like this.  Spring is beginning to take hold.



Crossed a few streams via a log bridge or hopping on stones  We also were walking under the green canopy of the surrounding trees and bushes.  Ground flowers of many types are blooming.

Around midday we exited the Smokys at Davenport Gap.  We put the other half of our permit which we deposited in the box when we entered the Smokys in the box at Davenport as we left.  Not sure why it’s necessary but perhaps to be sure you make it through successfully.

We were disappointed we did not see any bears in the Smokys.

Not long after that we cross the Pigeon River and route 40 before starting our ascent of the next mountain.  It was a pretty river and I would have gone in if it was warmer.



We stopped at Standing Bear Farm hostel.  Its pretty unique and well known on the trail.  It’s a funky place that is run kind of like a commune.  It has several buildings including a bunk house, supply center, a house for recharging electronics, a place where you wash your dishes when you finish eating (you wash your own), a privy or port a potty,  and a small house where you can get something to eat.  You can tent there as well.

It’s a very unusual place but the people there were groovy man.  We had been hearing different things about the place.  Some good, some bad.  It was definitely a place on my list to see so I was glad we took a short side trip to stop there.  It was early afternoon so we resupplied, had burgers,  washed up a little and moved on.

It was a long hike today and late in the day I was beginning to feel the grind.  But we got a surprise.  Some good old boys were riding their four wheel ATVs down the trail.  There were five ATVs in all.  Sandy had hiked ahead of us as usual.  She was typically faster than us.  So it was just ADD and me.  They stopped and offered ADD and me a cold beer which we accepted without hesitation.  They were very friendly but definitely locals out for a joy ride.  I would have taken their picture but they are not supposed to be there on ATVs so I opted to pass on that.

Just a little before we came to our stop we got our first bear siting. 😊

By the time I got my camera out he had moved away but I got a picture before he walked off into the woods.

I was pretty exhausted after walking the 17.6 miles to Groundhog Creek Shelter.  This was our longest hike so far.  We camped outside the shelter for the night.  My back is a little worse so I took some vitamin I.  We discussed getting to Hot Springs NC a day earlier and the taking a zero day when we get there.  Everyone was too tired so we tabled it until the morning.

Time to sleep. 💤