FACEBOOK FROM JEFF: Smoky Mountains Completed!

I got a quick Facebook message from Jeff last night, around 8:30PM:

call mom for me tell her im ok tornado warnings all over my area but im on a porch at a hostel tonight. finished smoky mtns today

I can't wait to here more about his trip through the Smokies, especially since it appears that the weather has not been kind to that region this week.  Lots of wind and rain, tornado warnings... Hopefully he's managed to hang on to all his gear and a positive attitude.  Collecting some amazing memories, I'm sure!

In taking a quick weather check at Clingman's Dome, which is the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains, it looks like today has started out with beautiful weather.  73 & sunny.  Thunderstorms are predicted, however, with more rain in the future.  He should be just outside of this region, since he's already summited Clingman's Dome... but this was the closest reference point I had from the brief FB message. Perhaps he's ahead of the storm, on the sunny side of the rainbow ;)

Gods and Irony.

I forgot to mention, I very briefly heard from Jeff while he was gearing up at The Fontana Dam - just about ready to embark on the Smoky Mountains.

His package sent from Catskill to the Fontana Dam post office was lost in transit.   The package contained supplies for his trek through the Smokies and he was pretty damn bummed that he would have to drop some extra cash at an outfitters nearby in order to restock on fuel for his camp stove and other goods he had meticulously planned to receive at this stop.

The package, sent through the US Postal Service, had a tracking number.  We have now been told by a rep for the USPS that these tracking numbers are basically bogus and they had absolutely zero idea where his box is.

My theory?  Jeff tempted the gods when he considered the trail name "Postmaster" and they are now teaching him a lesson in irony.  Just like sixth grade English class.

A google-found photo of the Fontana Dam Post Office.

Sunrise over some smokies.
A photo taken by "Carl Smith" and posted on The Great Smoky Mountain Association Facebook page.

JEFF VIA FACEBOOK: Franklin, NC

I was surprised to wake up to Facebook message from Jeff this morning... Here's the copy-and-paste:

hey! I'm in franklin, nc. stayed at a motel last night with ''my ladies''. finding phones and computers has been harder than i thought. but in the past few days i hit the 100 mile mark. crossed the GA/NC state line. survived a 10 degree night. hitched to towns. hiked 16 miles days. saw awesome views. got down poured on. doing laundry right now, and then going to resupply for 4-5 days until i hit Fontana Dam, NC which starts the Smoky Mountains. Life rules. Love you miss you. Tell mom and dad and everyone you heard from me. I'll call soon.

hitchin' a ride... Jeff's current Facebook profile pic.