The Appalachian Trail- (D.20, 12.5 mi)

Day 20 (Silers Bald Shelter -> Newfound Gap) (206.8 mi total)

This day held many surprises for us.  Firstly, Ed planted a vivid mental image for us of laundry, food, and entertainment in the form of Knoxville, Tn. which quickly worked itself into a reality.  Secondly, I did see a bobcat......I reacted as any man should.  "No, No, No, Ed that is a f&%*ing bobcat up the trail."  This was being said as I turned and ran in the opposite direction, luckily the bobcat only stared at us for about a minute before retreating into the woods.  Thirdly, we met the nicest family we have been blessed to meet so far on our travels.  We had only given hitch-hiking a 5 minute effort before we were picked up by Scott and his wonderful family whom are currently saving/collecting funds to become permanent missionaries in Honduras (To provide help or gather info on their mission check out: www.benedictfam.com).  They gave us a ride all the way to Sevierville, Tn but not before generously offering us refuge from the weather, a hot shower, a place to stay, and questioning us on whether or not we would like a Chinese all-you-can-eat buffet or a bunch of pizza.  The generosity of these folks warmed our hearts and left us feeling truly amazed at the kindness that resides in some people.  We spent the car ride immersed in great conversation and a had a new appreciation for trail magic.  We hope them nothing but the best in the future and know that they will be doing great things in Honduras.  Scott and his family dropped us off at the busiest WalMart we have ever seen and their we waited for Brasky's cousin Danny, which was nice enough to scoop us and let us stay in his Knoxville house right in the Fort.  Feels good to be back and to have some time to get dry clothes and nurture some wounds. 

Dem Racquet Boys are taking it to the DOME... Clingman's Dome! -Jax, Brasky, + Abby Normal.  P.S. enjoy the fire wood!

Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the A.T.  Due to pollution in the air visibility from the tower is at an all time low and it is rare to catch the long mileage views normally offered.

Me, catching wind and checking out the great view ha.

Brasky navigating the bog of eternal stench, only thing missing is David Bowie in tights.

The damaging storms that happened last week left this tree totally un-rooted and overturned.  Jax was able to stand under what used to be this tree place of residence.

Scott and his wonderful family, luckily our seasoned smell didn't effect their great personalities!