AT C-Dome to Welch Ridge 4.3 pd, WR to Miry R3.3n, MR to Green Brier R2.4pd, GB to Jenkins R 5.9n, JR to Bote Mnt 0.3pd, BM 2.9pd, Lead Cove 1.8pd

The hike in which I would complete my 900 miles of trails in the GSMNP took a little preparation relative to logistics; that’s what this paragraph is all about. I would not only need at least two to go with me, I would also need someone to move my vehicle from Clingmans Dome to the Lead Cove Trail’s end at Cades Cove. BZ Lane (who I cannot thank enough for his guidance in planning and scheduling my last hikes) and I thought that we should meet at Sugarlands Visitor Center (SVC) at 7:00 a.m. and that we would do the hike on April 4th. Although I never envisioned having too many hikers for perhaps the hardest day hike in the Park (even though it is about 5 miles shorter than the Balsam Mtn Hike), the ones taking this hike had to be strong. I contacted Bob Bolinger and Cecil Rowe; possibly because each knew that it was the last hike of my quest, they both said that they wanted go and they are strong: Cecil incidently was with me on my first hike in June 2005. I contacted Dennis McAdams, a very strong hiker who needed this one too. I then contacted Lowell Reid, one who also needed this hike and who last week had done a tough in-and-out on Bear Creek despite having had two severe medical complications in the past year. Although I had previously talked with John Kennerly about it, he had done it twice before and I believe would have done it again if I had needed a 3rd. Bill Broome, one of the nicest guys that I have ever met, had previously offered to move a vehicle if I ever needed it done; at this time I was envisioning needing another such individual. BZ said that he and Bill would get together and figure out a plan. Their plan was that Cecil would drive because he had a 7-passenger van; this would accommodate the six hikers and Bill (the van mover). At the Nth hour I heard that Janetta Baker wanted to do the hike; however, Amy Howe would take her to Clingmans Dome and hike to Miry Ridge, return to the Dome, and then pick up Janetta at our terminus at Lead Cove.

At 5:15 BZ called as planned with the latest weather; it looked good. I picked up Lowell at 5:50 at Lakeside Market; we proceeded in my vehicle to Cecil’s home. The three of us arrived at SVC in Cecil’s van; everyone was already there. Cecil and Janetta drove to Clingmans Dome in a little mist; Bill Broome then went back down and after doing the Porters Creek Hike with the rest of our Wednesday group, drove Cecil’s car to our terminus at Lead Cove.

We began our hike from Clingmans Dome on the AT at 0750. The first picture is a profile of our hike that John Kennerly made; in an e-mail to all hikers he referred to it as "Wendell's Near Death Hike." (A couple of years ago one of our stronger hikers collapsed on this one because of hyponatremia; fortunately John knew what to do.) BZ led initially but when we reached Silers Bald (4.3 mi.), he thought I should lead since the next 3.3 mi. on the AT were new for me. Three of us went ahead and arrived at Buckeye Gap (Miry Ridge Trail junction) at 1110 (7.6 mi.); our whole group ate lunch here (2nd pic: Lowell, BZ, Cecil, Bob, Dennis, Janetta, & Amy). (Amy then returned to the Dome to drive Janetta’s car to our terminus; although she was alone, there were a number of AT hikers and all but one woman were going North.) We arrived at Greenbrier Ridge at 1241. Throughout the trip BZ, Dennis, and I would typically lead and then wait for the rest at a marker. Again, we met many AT hikers (i.e., most were through hikers who did not plan to stop other than for provisions until they arrived in Maine). Amongst this group two men doing solos stood out and were firsts for I believe all of us. The first was a fellow with long hair, a beard, ~7-8 ft stick, and barefoot. The next was a guy wearing a tie, dress shirt, and nice trousers. Although most were in groups of two or more, we also met two women solo hikers; one said she was 65 and the other was less than half of that.

At 1506 we reached the top of Thunderhead Mtn; because my steps on this part of our trek were more vertical than horizontal, my pedometer was ~one mile ahead. Rocky Top was the next one but it was more down than up. At 1618 we reached the Jenkins Ridge Trail; at this point I had completed all 900 miles and Dennis snapped the pic of BZ (my mentor and guru) and me. BZ still wanted me to lead so I did and then I upped the pace. I arrived at Bote Mtn at 1630, the 1st 1.7 mi. to Anthony Creek junction at 1705, the next 1.2 mi. of Bote Mtn to Lead Cove at 1727, and finished the 1.8 mi. Lead Cove Trial at 1800. As I approached the parking area I saw John Kennerly rushing towards the Lead Cove Trail sign to take my picture; Amy Howe was also there waiting for Janetta. Although Judy Collins planned to be there, she could not make it; however, she had recommended to John a particular libation that she knew I liked. It truly hit the spot! Cecil had given me his keys so that I could ice my knee. Bill Broome had left a "Congrats" baloon and a card in Cecil's car. When everyone was back Cecil drove to SVC where BZ, Bob and Dennis had their cars. BZ walked towards his car ~50 yards away but said that he would be right back; I thought that this was kind of weird. When he got back Bob broke out a bottle of “Near Champaign” and glasses; that was truly one neat closing to a fantastic day. Cecil, Lowell, and I then went to Cecil’s house where I retrieved my car, dropped Lowell off at his car, and then picked up my dinner at Buddy’s Barbecue.