Stream N. of Roan Mountain. We camped out next to it and had a perfect fire to keep warm.

View N. of Roan Mountain, TN

A perfect spot to take a break

Making our way up and over the hills toward Roan Mt

The light spec is a Barn/Shelter with an awsome view into the valley.

We occasionally drank water straight from the ground without fitering. How bad could it be at the top of a mountain. Don't answer that.

Roan Mt. Shelter, the highest shelter on the trail at 6285'.

Two honeymooners relaxed next to their fire on a bald mountain top called Beauty Spot.

The sunset from Beauty Spot was incredible.

Same as above

A misty morning view from Big Bald

We slept in Rich Mt. Fire tower on the 29th. Not exactly permitted, but easily accessible due to previous occupants.

The moon was very visible from the fire tower.

Another sunset view from the tower on Rich Mt.

I had received my boots in Hotsprings N. Carolina to deal with the cold weather and leaves. My shoe laces got caught and I did a bit of a face plant while hiking into the Smokies.

View in the Smoky Mountains toward Cligman's Dome

We reached Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the trail.

View from Clingman's Dome

During our hungriest day (starving to death) we just so happened across some fried chicken that a tourist hiker of the Smokies obviously didn't want to carry. It could not have been there for long, so our prayers had been ansered.

Double Spring Shelter was packed the night of the 3rd. All the
people were very friendly and were happy to shove food down our packs...They didn't want to carry it back to their cars. We walked a mile or so, sat down, and ate it all. We didn't really want to carry it either.