Hello Ed,

On March 29, 2005 Dave and I arrived at the parking lot at ACB about 9am. The temperature was 40F at the parking lot. A slight breeze necessitated a pull-over. It was 9:25AM by the time we got booted up and packed. By the first foot log, the pull-over had to come off. I was surprised by the amount of traffic on the trail. I was questioning this when Dave reminded me that it was Spring Break for schools.

The hike up the mountain was enjoyable as ever. The majority of the ice was gone. Isolated patches of snow dotted the mountainside.

When we reached the Bullhead/Rainbow trailhead, we were detoured back down the Bullhead trail about 200 yards and then back to the right coming out at the area the helicopter net is . They had a "Bobcat" working the trail between the junction and the lodge.

The weather was perfect as the temp Tuesday night was 43F and Wednesday was great.

The trail was open the next day although they were still working on drainage.

The trip back was mixed as you realize what you are leaving yet enjoy the rewards of the hot shower and relaxing those tired "Dogs".

The traffic Wednesday was the most I have seen on the ACB trail. I spoke with a Chinese couple with twins about 10 mo. old, their Grandmother and an aunt. They were thinking of going to the top. After observing there dress (dress shoes, skirts, etc) I strongly advised against it. Hope they took my advice. I am always amazed at people.

After a 3 hour trip down we ferried a couple over to Roaring Fork Road to their car. Made a quick stop at the KFC in Gatlinburg. After doing a lot of damage to the chicken population, it was into the auto and back across the gap to Bryson City and said hot shower. Going up the mountain, we picked up a thru hiker headed back to the AT.

I want to thank you for your site and the opportunity to follow exploits of my favorite spot on Earth. You are an inspiration to folks such as myself.

Regards,

Ron Nelson