Clingmans Dome - all is well!

   Red Bull checked in with us this morning!  All is well!
   He said cell reception is not very good in his location.  We texted a bit, then I called him... just being a Mom!

   He spent last night at the Derrick Knob Shelter mile 189.3 (traveled 12 miles yesterday).
   He is still with a group of hikers ages ranging from 25-35, there are about six of them.  They hike at different paces, but set a location to stop and camp together at night.

   Tonight they plan to visit Clingman's Dome, mile 199.5.

   Speaking of being a Mom... I asked if he was wearing the hand brace, and he admitted he was not.  I warned him that he only has one right hand, and if he were to fall and damage it... the injury could be lifelong.  He informed me that he has not fallen once, and has no plans to fall.  I simply stated that he is too far away for me to make him wear the brace, but as his mother I strongly advise he wear it at least while hiking.  I told him that he is a big boy, and can make his own decisions.

   Oh the "invincibility" of youth!



   Update:  They did go to Clingman's Dome, but it was too cloudy to see anything.
   This is the highest elevation on the entire Appalachian Trail!  The trail reaches 6,643 feet, but the tower takes you to 6,667 feet!

   They camped at the Mount Collins Shelter mile 202.8 on the trail (hiked 13 1/2 miles today).
   It is at 5,962 feet in elevation.
   The trail weaves in and out of North Carolina and Tennessee in the Smoky Mountains.

   Red Bull is doing well with one good hand, and one hiking pole!

Clingman's Dome and Tower - photo from the GSMNP site

Map of A.T. and Clingmans Dome area from the GSMNP site

This is an excerpt from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park site for Clingmans Dome:

At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. Only Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) and Mt. Craig (6,647), both located in Mt. Mitchell State Park in western North Carolina, rise higher. The observation tower on the summit of Clingmans Dome offers spectacular 360° views of the Smokies and beyond for visitors willing to climb the steep half-mile walk to the tower at the top. On clear days views expand over a 100 miles.