Day 23: Hiker Hunger

March 9th

Current Location: 207.1, Gatlinburg, TN, Border of GSMNP

200 MILES!  Today I passed 200 miles right over Clingmans Dome in the GSMNP.  I have been having phenomenal weather passing through the Smokies, but rain is coming.  At least it is not snow.  Woo!   

Mt. LeConte in the distance, the view from Clingmans Tower.

Today as I left Derrick Knob Shelter I planned on stopping at Mt. Collins Shelter.  At 13.5 miles it would have beaten my longest day so far by a single mile.  As I was moving across the ridgelines, the idea of eating cheeseburgers overcame me.  I had to make it to Newfound Gap and therefore Gatlinburg.  I became set on it.  I practically ran.  I made the 17.8 mile trek in less than 8 hours, with a food driven pace of >2.25 mph.  I was hungry.  

Made it to Gatlinburg thanks to MaryAnne! Thank you so much for the hitch and filling me in on local GSMNP news!  First stop: Five Guys Burgers.  3 burgers, a large fry, and 6 sodas later, I'm mostly satisfied.  I still had a second dinner.  The hiker hunger is real.  

After searching for a motel in a burger induced daze, I found a place that was cheap and had decent reviews.  Unfortunately it was closed.  The owners sadly let me know it was closed for the winter season and upgrades.  The owner, who seemed to feel bad for me, as I walked the mile to the motel, took me to another motel and got me a steal on a room.  Thank you for the incredible kindness.  

I will now binge watch House of Cards and fall asleep 3 minutes into the first episode.  

Big O