Today was a day I’ve been looking forward to since I started hiking in June: entering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
It was also another day of hypothermic conditions with wind and 38 degree rain falling all day.
Before we got into the park, we crossed over what is usually an absolutely stunning panoramic view of the mountains: Max Patch. Today, all I wanted to do was get the heck out of there as the wind whipped by and pelted rain so hard it went right through my rain jacket. Picnic weather!
By day’s end, we crossed I-40 and entered my home sweet Smokies. 
Rumor has it the sun is coming out tomorrow and I simply can’t wait. Goodnight from a trail shelter that feels more like a cage with a chain link fence across the front for bears…one per square mile in the park!