Sunday, May 1, 2011

Snow in the Smokies!

   May 1st, 1980 I met another hiker in the Smokies and we hiked some together. He was from Florida and I think his name was Mike or Mark (or something like that). As we hiked, I found out that he was an Eagle Scout like me. Then I found out that we were the same age. Then I found out that we were born on the same month, and the same day! We hiked up to the top of Clingman's Dome, the highest place on the entire Appalachian Trail. About two inches of snow covered the ground! Then we hiked down, down, down, to a gap and crossed a road. After talking with some tourists who had stopped to take pictures, we hiked up to Ice Water Springs shelter. There was snow on the ground up there too. The other hiker pulled out two miniature cans of beer that the tourists had given him and shoved them in the snow. He was surprised to find out that I don't drink, but that just left more for him. We crammed into the shelter with a bunch of other hikers. Someone had built a wonderful fire in the fireplace so it was warm and cozy! I settled down for a good night's sleep (or so I thought) but that story will have to wait until tomorrow!
   Today I weighed in at 183.4 pounds. So how much does it cost to go to a wedding? About 0.8 pounds! It sure was a lot of fun and the food was terrific (obviously). Had a great time with all of my extended family. Congratulations to Drew & Ellen on their marriage! Maybe I will eat a salad tomorrow....

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