Day 27. Cosby Knob Shelter to Standing Bear Farm Hostel

This morning I woke up at 0500, packed up and had nuts and water for breakfast. By 0530, I was on the trail hiking with Rash, How Bout and Collin. We hiked in the dark for two hours until the sun rose over the mountains. We decided to hike early to have a restful afternoon at the Standing Bear Farm and hostel in Hartford Tennessee. The hike was nearly all downhill. It was nice to reach the lower elevations and feel the warmer air after being above 5000 feet most of the week. The trail followed a real nice stream with numerous water falls for approximately one mile. It was amazing. After reaching Davenport Gap, the trail continues under Interstate 40. When I saw the road sign for Asheville, I realized just how far I have walked from Georgia. It was a great feeling of accomplishment.

The hike was nice. It gave me time to reflect on the lessons I learned in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When I reached the northern boundary of the park at Davenport Gap, I was actually a little sad to see it behind me. I turned around to face the trail head, quietly said a prayer and thanked God for the opportunity to experience it. The Park has changed me in many ways... It was a good dose of humility for me. As big, strong and wise as you may think you are, God has a way of stepping it up a notch. Just enough to let you know he is present and in control of all around you. He pushed me to my limits forcing me not to give up when the nights were bitter cold, the mountains were too steep and the winter storms battered against me. I have been knocked down a couple of notches and humbled by the experience and his obvious presence. I will never forget the Smoky's and the lessons I learned.

At 1300 I arrived at the Standing Bear Farm Hostel. It is a quaint eclectic compound consisting of several buildings housing bunk rooms, a cabin, kitchen, hand wash laundry and a privy. I cooked hot dogs for everyone here tonight. It was fun to be back in the kitchen even though it was just hot dogs... I have a new addiction... Fire roasted marshmallow Peeps!!!! They are to die for.... Yummy!!

Today I hiked 10.7 miles. And officially completed the 73 miles of trail through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I am 3 days away from reaching Hot Springs North Carolina.

So far I have hiked 240.8 miles!!! Not too shabby...