The sun did indeed come out this morning!
It was still windy and cold, but you wouldn’t believe what a difference in both mood and comfort that big ball of fire makes.
For all of the years I’ve been backpacking, the Smokies have been home base and I hardly even need a trail guide. So good to be home!
We decided to push a few extra miles today and consequently got to catch one of the classic purple/coral Smokies sunsets from a high mountain ridge. 
Even though the temps are comparatively warm, sleeping near 6000 ft of elevation still makes the air a bit nippy.
Last night out before a lovely trip to Knoxville!