Back in the land of peaks with views. View from the Lookout Tower on Mt. Cammerer

Day 29, Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Pigeon River Bridge to Cosby Knob Shelter

Mile 300.2

Miles Hiked: 9.3 + 1.2 to Lookout Tower = 10.5, mostly up

REGROUPING FOR THE LAST 200 MILES

I went home for a day to regroup. Regrouping meant resupply, yes. But also adding some layers to my clothing situation because cold weather is coming and so is elevation.

Also, I had to get another permit. I went for the AT thru-hiker permit, figuring I could justify it even if I’m not technically following the instructions to the letter. The advantage of the thru-hiker permit is flexibility.

NOT GOOD WITH RULES

The Smokies already have rules enough to tweak my rebellious side—gotta stay in the shelter, no stealth camping, don’t veer off the trail or off your schedule, get a permit, and don’t even think about bringing a dog.

Even though these 70-ish miles through the Smokies are the last 70-ish miles I have to finish the AT, I’ve both dreaded and procrastinated this section. Dreaded the rules. Dreaded the crowds. Dreaded the thought of being forced to sleep in a shelter when I have a perfectly good, and private, tent I love.

So when I went home to regroup, I also worked on my attitude.

It also helps that there’s a pandemic and they’ve relaxed the cohabitation in the shelter rule. Tents are allowed, so NOW IS THE TIME!

Ima do the thing this time and take what pleasure I can from it.

Starting with the views!

I expected to spend the next three days climbing and today did not disappoint. The .6 mile side trail to the stone Lookout Tower on Mt. Cammerer was worth the extra effort for the first views and a big slab of rock in the sun.

I also expect to spend the next week endlessly taking off and putting on layers. I’ll be climbing up to the highest point on the AT at precisely the moment when it’s starting to feel like fall.