Snowing in souther Appalachia

The ground was white. Branches were icicles. It was snowing in southern Appalachia.

This was my first experience with snow on the Appalachian Trail. The cold weather made things a tad bit more difficult. I eventually finished eating breakfast and packing up.

There was nothing special about the descent into Davenport Gap. The trail was wet and slippery, and the trees were covered in a thin coat of snow.

Once I arrived in Davenport Gap, I celebrated by eating crackers and a granola bar. I am quite happy to be done with the Smokies, I was becoming sick of that park quite rapidly.

I then began the 2.4 mile trek tp Standing Bear Farm. Along the way, I came across trail magic. I was in the midsts of a road walk when I piassed a sign with a plastic bag attached to it. Within this bag were all sorts of snacks, I treated myself to one and walked on.

At Standing Bear Farm I picked up my mail drop and tossed out my trash.

The ascent up Snowbird mountain was uneventfull until I reached the summit, which is a blad. The summit is home to semi-decent views and a Federal Aviation Administration Tower.

I then stumbled my way to Groundhog Creek Shelter, where I am currently tenting. Tomorrow I go over Max's Patch, and then to a shelter.

I hope to be in Hot Springs by Wdnesday afternoon. It's looking like I will zero there on Thursday, and hime out Friday.

The people I have been hiking with for about a week are now a half day behind me. I imgaine I will see them again, but I am out here to hike my own hike.

I am not sure how far I will go tomorrow, it depends on how I feel during the day.

Good night, and good luck.

Kirby

Ga>ME 2008.