Day 20

Russell Field Shelter- Double Spring Gap Shelter - 16.5 miles (193.9 total)

We woke up early, and it was still dark when others began packing their stuff and getting ready to leave. We were hiking by 7am. We took a quick stop at Spence Field, for a snack and to take in some views, then headed onto Rocky Top. From there we had great views, even though it was a little hazy. It was from there that we finally got our first good views of Clingman's Dome in the distance. We took a short break and enjoyed time alone on the top. Paused for lunch at Sugar Tree Gap, where everyone we had stayed at the shelter with the previous night passed us, then headed back on and passed the Derrick Knob Shelter where they we're all taking a break for lunch. Along the way we saw more beautiful white wildflowers on the ridge lines. Stopped for water at Silers Bald Shelter where we met Jaybird. Next was the short climb up to Silers Bald where we got another great view of Clingman's Dome (the highest point on the AT at over 6,600 ft) and the once again changing environment with the new addition of conifer at higher elevations. We tented at Double Spring Gap Shelter, and were joined again by the 'dude' crew (as we had dubbed them) as it was getting dark. We were lucky, as the shelter was full so we could pitch our tent, and have some semblance of privacy. We saw 3 deer before bed by the food hoist cables, and Mike saw his first wild turkey this morning... he thought it was the most ridiculous looking thing when it flew.