SPRING is here! (and here to stay)

We've made it to Hot Springs, NC! But first, about the Smokies. A few words to explain: Chilly, foggy, lots of windy ridge hiking, shelters with fences around them (to get away from the bears, but we never ended up seeing any)...However, despite the ok weather much of the time there, we lucked out and had incredible weather on the two most important days---the hike up to Clingmans Dome (the highest elevation on the AT) and the hike to Max Patch (a beautiful grassy covered dome where we laid out in the sun eating peanut butter filled tortillas, what could be better?) We have reached a record for mileage, a 19 mile day yesterday, and are feeling a bit sore but quite excited at the same time. We are staying in Hot Springs (I have to say stopping at all these towns reminds us of Samoa again, where we know everyone walking down the street!) tonight, we will be eating another free dinner tonight (YEA trail magic!) and will be heading out tomorrow. Going back to check on how that stinky sleeping bag is doing, hoping the sun will make it smell nice and pretty all over again...hope all is well and you all are getting a nice taste of spring!