Up at the crack of dawn for what reason I don’t know except that what everyone else is doing so I did as well. I didn’t want to be left behind but I wanted my oatmeal today and made sure I got it. I was still last to get my stuff together and off the 3some went. Today was our ascent on Clingman’s Dome, the highest point on the entire trail. The ENTIRE Trail. With Funk in the lead we managed to miss the trail and the dome by 1/2 mile. So up another trail to get onto the parking lot and back to the Dome tower. We waited for Just Greg to climb the tower to get another perspective on the fog. After he came down I was slow to adjust my pack and the dynamic duo were off. At the intersection I wasn’t sure which way they went so, off with the pack to find my map. I had be relying on the others. After all that, they were gone and I was on my own.
What a glorious day, So many pics of mighty trees that were blown down, I even got a pic of a Ruffled Grouse along the trail. It reminded me when I was hunting with my 12 yr old son, Rob. He was behind me and I heard his safety click off. Funny how loud that click can be when a 12 yr old is behind you with a loaded shotgun. He spotted a grouse, took aim and well it hung on the trophy wall at the farm for years. This guy was lucky today, no 12 yr old in tow.
After stopping for lunch on my own two hikers appeared from nowhere. It was the same guy I talked to at breakfast two days prior. We talked about his Christian ministry of getting men out hiking. After getting to a crossroads we met up with some trail magic. The man offer Blourbon and Miami Vice a ride into Gattlinburg. Wanna go? he said to me. I had no plans to go to G-burg but God is at work.
So here I am with another shower, clean clothes and staying at a Christian Motel catering to hikers, staying in a room with 3 single beds with a strong Christian Man and a former Marine who says he’s Buddist (kidding).
Geeze, hope they don’t hit me when I snore.
Andy M Davidson 
So thankful you were “surprised” by your day and that it brought joy. It’s a Godwink! Xxx
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Geez Andy, sounds crowded out there. So much for introspection and communing with nature. Glad you’re meeting some nice hikers.
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I like oatmeal.
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One of my favorites too
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I love Tennessee. We have been there twice, first time was honeymoon. I admire you for doing the trail. Keep in touch.
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TN is terrific! I will post a video of an amazing spot once I get to a real computer this weekend
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A friend of mine taped a presentation I did back in the Fall and recently edited it so I could post it on Youtube.com. After going to the website, just search for Andy Davidson thru hiking thru life and you should get the 3 parts. The total presentation lasts about an hour. Hopefully it will make you laugh and think. Since I last wrote, I have to say I really miss the trail and miss conversing with y’all even more. I’ve been working on another project which I hope to announce in the near future. Until then I have dreams of jumping in the truck with Lor and Belle (our Springer Spaniel) and back packing out West this summer. (Just don’t tell my employer).
Take care, “Phantom”
I can’t thank you enough for all the support. Feel free to spread the word and I apologize to some of you who may be getting this notice as a repeat.
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I used to love Gatlinburg b 4 it got ‘discovered’!
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It is a little touristy
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Enjoying your posts, Andy. Continuing to pray for you. love, Clay and Sharon
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Hi Andy! I enjoy following your blog and the photos Lori posts on Facebook. Someday I would love to hike the Appalachian Trail! You can give me lots of tips! Praying for you 🙂
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It is definitely worth doing.
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A friend of mine taped a presentation I did back in the Fall and recently edited it so I could post it on Youtube.com. After going to the website, just search for Andy Davidson thru hiking thru life and you should get the 3 parts. The total presentation lasts about an hour. Hopefully it will make you laugh and think. Since I last wrote, I have to say I really miss the trail and miss conversing with y’all even more. I’ve been working on another project which I hope to announce in the near future. Until then I have dreams of jumping in the truck with Lor and Belle (our Springer Spaniel) and back packing out West this summer. (Just don’t tell my employer).
Take care, “Phantom”
I can’t thank you enough for all the support. Feel free to spread the word and I apologize to some of you who may be getting this notice as a repeat.
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Hi Andy! Have really been enjoying your blog posts and hearing about your adventures! You have a gift for writing; hmm, maybe a book chronicling life on the AT & life’s wisdom might be in your future? 😉 … Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.. — Your EI neighbors, Martha & Jim (& Damie, of course!)
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Thanks neighbor!
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Hope You are doing good!
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Everything is working out. On the trail it is simply amazing to see things work. the other day some guy stopped me and asked if I needed this part for my walking pole. I had lost that exact part 2 weeks ago!
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A friend of mine taped a presentation I did back in the Fall and recently edited it so I could post it on Youtube.com. After going to the website, just search for Andy Davidson thru hiking thru life and you should get the 3 parts. The total presentation lasts about an hour. Hopefully it will make you laugh and think. Since I last wrote, I have to say I really miss the trail and miss conversing with y’all even more. I’ve been working on another project which I hope to announce in the near future. Until then I have dreams of jumping in the truck with Lor and Belle (our Springer Spaniel) and back packing out West this summer. (Just don’t tell my employer).
Take care, “Phantom”
I can’t thank you enough for all the support. Feel free to spread the word and I apologize to some of you who may be getting this notice as a repeat.
LikeLike