Day 22

Our first big HIRO day was a success. Hike In, Resupply out. We had 10.3 miles to Newfound Gap this morning to try and hitch a ride into Gatlinburg, resupply, then hike another 3.3 miles to a shelter. We woke up at 5:00am to try and leave the gap around 11:00am. It was incredibly foggy this morning, no sunrise, and no great views to start. 
The was no view at the top of clingmans dome, 0/2 on this atrocity for a good view. We also hit 200 miles today, but it was too early and foggy for any of us to realize. 
We made it to the gap by 10:30. This parking lot was incredibly busy and we looked like freaks with our giant packs, and dirty bodies. A lot of people stopped to ask what were were doing and a nice couple even gave us bananas and nuts! 
When we started to stick our thumbs out, we didn't get much traction for a while. Not many people were headed into Gatlinburg, and those that were, did not want to share the ride with a few stinky hikers. We even practiced our smiles and thumbs the night before. Patches began to lay on the ground and act hurt, and we were picked up less than 3 minutes later. 
A very nice couple asked if he was okay, then offered to drive us to the grocery store in town. They said they didn't have much going on today and we're willing to drive us anywhere. They didn't have seats in the back of their minivan so we had to make do. 
We got dropped off at Food City, where we immediately hit the hot bar, got potato wedges and a steak and cheese.
*Resupply sponsored by Alyssa Curtis*** 
We weren't the only hikers in town so we spread out like true hiker trash. 
We took an Uber to the Outfitter in town to save our legs and time. I got a footprint for my new tent, which will help me set it up and take it down in the rain. We sat around for 2 hours, and I texted the nice couple from earlier and they picked us up at 4:15 and drove us back to the trailhead. It was an absolute lifesaver and we would've had a hard time getting back without them 
The final miles of the day went by very quick, but we got to camp around 6:15 which was our latest arrival on trail so far. 
Finished the night at mile 211, Ice Water Spring Shelter. We have around 4-5 days till Hot Springs where we are looking to stay the night somewhere. 

Happy Trails 🌲

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