Much has happened since our last blog post, but I'll try to give you a few highlights. We survived the Smokies (a.k.a. The Rockies, a.k.a. The Misty Mountains). Located in about the center of the Smokies is the highest point above sea level on the whole Appalachian Trail: Cling man's Dome. The weather has been so rainy, snowy, and foggy that we were apprehensive as to whether or not we would get Any views in the Smokies. We had a choice about halfway through a semi-clear day. Push for a 20 mile day and actually get a good view, or hike fewer miles and hope that the next day would be clear as well. We pushed through, and wow was it worth it. It was some of the best scenery we've seen yet.

Shortly after we excited the smokies we had another amazing view at Max Patch Bald. A complete 360 degrees of scenic mountain vistas. It's so rewarding after a tough uphill climb just to see such natural beauty.

I'm sure Kyle will mention it in a subsequent post, but I just have to say that trail magic is rocking our worlds! Newfound Gap, right off I-40, and right before Max Patch were perfect spots to keep our spirits high. Kyle has more pictures of these amazing events.