It was a patrol that started with cold, heavy rain, fog and high wind. We saw thunderstorms, ice, sleet snow, frozen boots, and high damaging winds. It ended on the most beautiful day of the year so far!   Spring is in the air and the Thruhikers are in the Smokies.  I started the week by parking my truck at the Ranger Station in Cades Cove.  I was shuttled to Clingmans Dome in dense fog and rain and cold wind.  I hiked up to the Lookout Tower and could hardly see one hundred feet away.  With the threat of more bad weather I hiked in to Double Springs Gap and hunkered down!  The Thruhikers really flowed in!  I think they are at their peak in the Smokies or perhaps a little past it.  There were 19 Thruhikers at the shelter that night.  They were all posting up to hike into Gatlinburg the next day for a hot shower and an assault on the nearest all you can eat buffet!  I am impressed at the overall preparedness of the Thruhikers.  I always learn plenty from them about the right gear and the right attitude for the trail!

    As I made my way toward Thunderhead Mountain I continued to experience harsh weather and freezing temperatures.  But as I hiked across Good Ole Rocky Top and down toward Spence Field the weather began to change for the better.  My Spirit lifted as I walked down into early Spring.  The sky was blue on Saturday but the wind still blew at about 40 or 50 miles per hour.  Sundays hike into Cades Cove actually erased the memory of the cold week.  What a blessing to walk down into the beauty of Spring in the Smokies.  I was reminded of why we love this fantastic place so much.  The quiet beauty of the trail in early Spring is certainly the work of a Higher Power!
    I hope to see you on the trail soon!  And remember, Easy Does It !