Here is another video taken along a ridgeline in the Smokies. Hope you enjoy. You may have to press play a couple of times to view. God bless.
Note: although I didnt fall here in this video. A mile section coming down from Clingman's Dome was like a solid river of ice, and I did fall on my bum once then. Thankfully some of my pack broke my fall too! All that was hurt was my pride! lol.
Shepherd.
Howdy All! Happy Easter! He is RISEN!
I am reminded of the chorus of "Alive Forever, Amen"
"He's Alive, Alive, Alive Hallelujah. Praise and Glory to the Lamb!
Alive, Alive Alive Hallelujah. Forever, Amen!"
Great song!
Well my battery died on me after sending out the Tribute to California Joe. He was bummed that I didnt get a more flattering picture of him! We see him eating his "Nabs" or what we northerns call...cheese and crackers, and did you see his white legs! You were probably blinded I know! That is why I am wearing pants all the time! Right on! lol.
No he is actually a fire fighter for the Northern California Forest Service! Great guy and a professing believer. I actually got to give my testimony to him as well as our dating testimony too! lol. Heck we have only been hiking for the past 7 days together. We are like bros now! Also ladies...he is single and 25 years old! hehe :O)
Well ok...back to the AT!
Day 18. We did 20.4 miles to get us to Cosby Knob Shelter. We delibertly did this to our bodies so we could get to Standing Bear farm earlier in the day on day 19. It was definetly tough but the views were AMAZING! It was all ridgeline hiking, with great weather! Couldnt have asked for a better day. I truely loved the Smokies! We met Steady On at the shelter as well, another thru-hiker that started in late Feb.
Day 19. Today we did only 11.4 miles to the Standing Bear Farm Hostel! Actually we got our directions messed up so we actually did 13.4 miles...2 unofficial. We werent happy, but we made it still by 12:30. We are officially 239.3 miles from Springer and out of the Smoky Mnt National Park. We just have a short 32.3 miles left to Hot Springs, so 2 fairly easy days ahead.
When we got to the hostel, was able to take my 3rd shower in 19 days!!!! Oh it felt sooo good! I also was able to eat an entire Digorno Supreme Pizza as well, and will have my first pint of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream for dinner tonight! I think it is Chocolate Fudge Browny! Yum! Here at the hostel is CJ and his friend who will hike the next 5 days with us, Poncho, The General, Steady On, and Lady and the Tramp.
I just also want to give a review of the Hostel for any future hikers...4 stars! Great place. Very nice. Plenty of food to eat, hot showers, internet access. Highly recommending staying the night if you are able!
Well anyway. Thanks for all the encouraging comments and prayers!
PS: Yeh, I might be needing a refresher on the peppermint oil. How about sending one to Damascus, VA. I am about 13 days away from there. Just address it to Jeremiah Redden...Hold for Thru-hiker. If it isnt much trouble! So far it has worked wonders! Thanks a million!
A Tribute To California Joe:
One fine morning, CJ & I were hiking the AT in the Smokies just outside Ice water Shelter. We were walking a ridge line at about 6000 ft, when I was suddenly startled by a huge Kodiac bear, which must of escaped from the Gatlinburg Zoo. Well as I was reaching for my camera, I slipped on the icy trail and fell off the ridgeline. I soon found myself dangling 6000 ft up grasping only to a young pine sampling that was struggling to stay attached to the cliff.
After California Joe bravely fought off the Kodiac bear with his Leki poles & dashing good looks, he noticed the dire peril I was in. With no regards to his own life, he quickly thrust out his Leki pole to my outstretched hand. I grasped it just as the sappling gave way, and he pulled me to safety. Then we continued our journey on the AT. California Joe - they should name a shelter after him!
The people in the story are real, however the events were fictious purely for your entertainment.
Day 17. California Joe & I surfaced to civilization today at Newfound Gap. It is full of tourists here, and we even got our picture taken by a very astonished couple from Chicago. They could believe we have been hiking for 17 days straight.
Today we summitted Clingmans Dome. The highest point on the AT at 6643 ft. It was a great day to view!
Also at lunch we crossed the 200 mile mark on the trail! We are staying at Ice Water Spring shelter tonight, which is 207.6 miles from Springer.
We have about 2 more days of the Smokies, and are on schedule to get to Hot Springs on Tuesday. God Bless. Hope the Passion Play is going well. To God be the glory.
Shepherd.
Day 16. Hiked 16.4 miles to Double Spring Shelter. Everything was beautifully white as seen in the picture. We are 193.8 miles officially from Springer & 1982.4 from Katahdin. We are up in the 5000 foot ranges today, with beautiful ridge line views. Tomorrow we will summit Clingman's Dome at 6643 ft and be up over 6000 ft for most of the day.
We are with Pocket Change & Chris, who are thruhikers as well. They plan to go into Gatlinburg tomorrow to resupply and watch a movie. Not CJ & I's plan! Got another fire going tonight. Miss everybody, but amazing what 3 days will do for you.
I didnt think I would like the Smokies, but so far I am loving it here! To God be the glory!
Day 15. California Joe & I braved the upcoming storm that called for all day rains, sustained winds of 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 60 miles & possibility of snow in the mnts. We are crazy! Well the rains came and we got soaked.
We stayed in the Russel Field Shelter with Starbucks & Tom and his 2 kids, Cooper & Chandler. We did get a fire a going which allowed us to get all of our stuff dry! Praise God.
We also passed the 2000 mile mark We are officially 1998.8 miles away from Katahdin. Yeah.
Peppermint oil worked again Scott! Unreal.
In the morning everything was white with snow and freezing fog! Very cool.
