Day 59 Clingman’s Dome to Newfound Gap – 7.7 miles.
I got a ride from the infamous Miss Janet to Clingman’s Dome. She’s super amazing!
Once I got up there, I was just not feeling it today. So, I ended up wasting a bunch of time and not leaving until like 3 pm.
While I was wasting time, I saw a pledge sister who is also hiking the trail this year, Kristen Deterding!
She was as shocked as I was!
Once I finally started hiking, I started feeling weird and freaking out for some reason – I think it was just anxiety.
So, I decided I was going to get a hitch back into Gatlinburg for the night. However, when I decided this, it was getting late and I had no idea how I was going to get a ride back in since it was after dark.
Once I got to Newfound Gap, I had no service, and it was well into dark, but thankfully a family on vacation happened to drive up. I asked them if they would mind giving me a ride down, and they agreed, thank God!! I don’t think they understand how much that did for me that night!
I can’t remember their names, but they were a pretty cool family! And thank goodness they didn’t mind having a stinky muddy hiker in the backseat with their 2 year old! I was so thankful for that ride, words can’t describe.
The trail was a mud pit that day too, so I was extremely muddy. I’m just so thankful for these people! Haha.
Thanks for joining me on Expedition Elizabeth!
Expedition Elizabeth 