Thursday June 14, miles today 12.2, miles from Springer 207.3

After a good breakfast we started the climb of Clingmans Dome.  We were hoping for less fog and more views but were disappointed.  It was not a difficult climb and we arrived at about 9:30.  We carried our backpacks up a large circular walkway to the top of the observation tower and took a few pictures of each other with a thick fog in the background.  Every once in a while there was a patch of blue sky so we went down to the base of the tower, made coffee and lingered hoping for enough clear skies to some of the 100 mile view.   There was a parking lot a half mile from the tower and several tourists.  Many stopped to ask questions about our experiences, what we eat, how we resupply, etc.  We were a minor tourist attraction. 

At about 11 am we gave up on the skies clearing and continued down the trail.  We made good time and arrived at Newfound Gap at 2:30 to a large parking lot full of cars.  This was the site of the Rockefeller monument dedicated for the money the Rockefeller family donated t help buy the land for the park.  It was also the site of where the Appalachian trail passed and with our backpacks and conspicuous odor we became live exhibits.  Many people stopped and asked questions.  One family even offered us trail magic of snacks which we gratefully accepted.  The signs said do not feed the animals but some people like to live on the edge.  After struggling to find cell phone service we were finally able to call a shuttle.  It was scheduled to arrive at 4 and arrived finally at 4:30, that must be eastern Tennessee time.  Leanne, our driver, took us down the scenic US Route 441.  Wherever there was a creek, trailhead or view cars were lined up along the side of the highway.  Leanne said on the weekends you needed to park by 7 am or you would not find a spot.  Shortly after 5 pm we arrived at the tourist Mecca of Gatlinburg with over 100 hotels, 70 restaurants, countless stores, shops, fun houses and oddities.  The county is also home of a large amusement park Dollywood, founded by country singer Dolly Parton.  The local women all seemed to speak like Dolly with that delightful eastern Tennessee twang.

We checked into the Quality Inn, showered and went to dinner where we decided to stay an extra day despite the premium hotel price for a Friday night.  Obi Wan has to return to Switzerland in 10 days and really wanted to see more of the southeastern American culture.  He did not have a hard time convincing the rest of us.  After dinner we strolled down the main Street looking at the stores, shops and oddities.  Obi Wan observed that the place was a teenager paradise.