I Didn't Get to be This Old by Being Stupid

Standing in the parking lot in full daylight looking stupid. Took the wrong trail. Way to go. Had to make amends. Hiked up to tower to pick up the AT again. The trails at the dome are quite popular. As a result the hiking path is two feet wide and at least a foot deep. It is also in deep pine tree shade. With all the snow of last week combined with heavy hiker traffic the trail was heavily iced, resembling a bobsled run. Seven miles to Newfound Gap and a shuttle to town and a much needed zero day in Gatlinburg.

Within the first two miles I fell at least ten times. Most of the falls were easy falls injuring only my macho pride. The last fall however really wacked my elbow. Came up on group of twenty something hikers one of which had fallen and dislocated his shoulder. Shorty thereafter met first response team going to assist. They told me that there was road access a quarter mile down the trail.

I was in real trouble. Did not want to hurt myself, break bones or do other bodily injury. But had to get off trail. Sat down for a drink of water. Heard a non-forest sound. Cars whizzing down the highway. Looked through the trees and there was the road. Bushwhacked through thirty yards of heavy steep woods to the road. Salvation! Heard next car. Stuck out thumb and it slowed and stopped. Bernie from St. Pete Fla was on his way to Newfound Gap to set up Trail Magic stop. Came within an eyelash of real tears. Could not believe this turn of events.

Got to Newfound Gap where Bernie and his wife fed me, baloney sandwich never tasted so good. Two Dunkin Donuts and a coke later the van driver from town gave me ride to town. I think this may be a sign my fortunes are changing