A Cold Day in the Smoky Mountains

Day 9

Woke up to chilly temps, 34°F and snow outside the van and 41°F inside.  

Unlike our VW Eurovan, we don’t have an auxiliary heater in this vehicle, so I started up the engine and turned up the heater full blast, quickly bringing the inside temp to71°F.  My wool socks were still wet from yesterday’s washing, so I had to rig up a clothes line inside the van.  You have to be able to improvise when you’re camping.

The snow on the flowering dogwood blossoms was spectacular, but by the time I decided to photograph them, the snow turned to rain, and the moment was gone.  L

We had a leisurely breakfast and headed to the main visitors’ center to utilize their internet and reconsider our plans since some of the roads were closed due to the snow and the visibility is zero, so going to Clingman’s Dome, the highest point along the Appalachian Trail, elevation 6643 ft., is probably off today’s agenda.  

Yesterday we left our folding table on our campsite while we toured the park…sadly it was gone when we returned.  This is the first time we’ve had any camping gear stolen…infuriating to say the least! LLL

We had an unremarkable lunch of pancakes & french toast in Gatlinburg.  At least the restaurant was warm!  We spent the afternoon unsuccessfully searching for a store that sold a replacement for our folding camping table.  Letting our fingers do the walking we did locate one at a Dick's Sporting Goods in Asheville.  We'll be passing through there tomorrow.

It's not looking good for us to be able to drive up to Clingman's Dome tomorrow.  Today's high never broke 39°F and the roads are not expected to open in the net 24 hours.  Looks like we'll be taking an alternative route to Asheville.