On a chilly, windy, cloudy morning, at 6,500 feet above sea level, my wife and I unhurriedly strolled up the trail that led to the summit of Clingmans Dome in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. Although the summit is in North Carolina, the peak of the mountain is right on the border of N.C. and Tennessee. Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smoky Mountains and the third highest in the eastern mountain ranges.
The asphalt trail that leads to the summit maintains a gradient of 15-25 degrees, which was brutally difficult for us flatlanders. Evidently the ascent was difficult for nearly everyone else as well, because along the way most folks rested on the benches that dotted the trail from its beginning to its end. We never rested on the benches, but we did stop twice to look back at my struggling daughter and her husband, who reached the summit several minutes after Jan and me. 
Sadly, we could barely see our hands in front of our faces because of the rapidly moving clouds that inhibited any thought of sightseeing. On a clear day on the summit, one may be able to see as far away as 100 miles. On an extremely cloudy day, like the day we did the climb, you’re lucky if you can see 100 feet. I’m not exaggerating.
Anyway, the cooler temperature (61F) felt heavenly compared to what we’re used to in South Florida.
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