Where in the world is Cindy Kinmon?

Editor’s note: Cindy Kinmon, also known by her trail name, “The Blonde Bandit,” is six weeks into her thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. She is hiking with her sister and brother-in-law, Penny and Harvey Wright. The following is her weekly report to the Grant County News.

We hit the 200 mile mark and are making good time through the Smokies.

We also finished Clingman’s Dome, which is the highest point on the AT!

Over the last few days we have hiked in heat, rain, snow, mud, clouds, fog, and cold.

Last night it rained and we were at a high elevation, so the fog/clouds permeated everything and created condensation in our tents ... which we then had to fold up and carry today.

Penny said we are a wet and muddy mess!

The wildflowers are beautiful, and God has really showed us the beautiful world he created for us to enjoy.

Today it was cold and snowy, but we made it to Gatlinburg and are taking the night off to dry everything out, do laundry, and warm up. We’ll be back on the trail Tuesday.

When we crossed over into the Smokies we saw bear scat for the first time since we hit the trail!

We had to buy permits to hike through the park at $40 each.

Some people who had hiked here before said they were never checked for their permits.

Well, lo and behold, we met two National Park Rangers on the trail, and they wanted to see our permits! I’m glad we had them because I believe the fines can be quiet hefty! (Up to 5k per person, actually...)

We are in a backcountry area and will probably be on the trail for the next five days before we come across any opportunities to come off the trail. We stocked up on food and charged our phones, but service will be limited again.

We are thankful for everyone’s prayers, and please continue remembering us!