As I woke up this morning in a bed, I had absolutely no regrets about getting that hotel last night. And when I remembered there was a free breakfast, I was even happier.

A bagel, a few pancakes, a muffin, some yogurt, a large cup of coffee and a shuttle ride later, we were back at New Found Gap – ready to start the day. 

It was cold in Gatlinburg as we woke up, but it was freezing at the gap. McKay put on long pants and I decided to keep my puffer on for the first time. 

A Kiwi couple stopped us to chat before we could leave and, being polite, we chatted for a few minutes getting colder and colder. We took a photo for them and learned all about their retirement trip. 

When they finally left, another woman came over to talk. She asked if we needed any food, and wouldn’t take no for an answer. We figured we could be on the road quicker if we just took and apple from her and left. And so we did. 

Even before the walk warmed us up, it was clear the day was going to be an absolute beauty. The trail was filled with snow covered trees as far as the eye could see. Branch after branch bent over the trail, weighed down by the frost. We walked through a winter wonderland, stopping frequently to take a photo, admire the view or just compliment the smokies. 

We caught up to Julia and sat down mid trail for a quick lunch. She referred to my peanut butter and cheese burrito as a “pregnancy craving type snack” but other than that it was great to catch up with her. We hadn’t seen her since Franklin so it was nice to hear about her trail since then. Also to catch up on mutual friends – to learn where they all were. It sounds like a few are just a day or two back and may even catch up soon!

Around 3pm we looked at the map and saw that there were 2 shelters ahead. One in 2 miles and one in 9. Normally I wouldn’t mind getting to a shelter late because I like to camp outside of them, but it’s supposed to fall to 15 degrees tonight. A shelter, while not my favorite, sounded infinitely warmer than my hammock swinging in the breeze. We chose the closer one and were one of the first to arrive.

I sat in the ever moving sun trying to catch every last ray of its heat before hitting the shelter where someone set up a fire in the decades old fireplace. Hopefully it will be warmer in here. And hopefully Salt Daddy and Jack Rabbit, who came in too late to get a spot in the shelter, will be warm enough in their tents. 

Key stats:

Miles: 16

Elevation gained: 4,500 ft

Breakfasts: 3