Walking up the path of the mountain a bit shy of midnight, there is an eerie but extraordinary feeling that overcomes you while hiking to the top. You cannot see much as you are inside of a cloud and the wind feels like it is going to violently throw you off of the edge.
Welcome to Clingmans Dome, highest point of the Smokey Mountains and of the Appalachian Trail. I slept up at the top of the mountain and then enjoy the views with the sunrise. Unfortunately, I have to work on making money with my banjo with it being Saturday and was not able to stick around very long.
The past week has been a busy one, with the beaches taking me broke. I started my banjo spree once again in the valley of Roanoke and Salem, Va and then worked my way along the mountains to Johnson City, Tennessee. From there I decided to try to make money playing in Gatlinburg, with it being one of the largest tourist attractions in the Smoky Mountains. After making decent money I was quickly informed that it was illiegal in this town due to there being a ton of money to be made. (In fact I was going to check into buying a permit for $50 to play Saturday, but turns out they wont even allow that.) I still tried my best to play the 5-string and rushed off at any sign of a policeman. Another busker, Trevor, told me they did not give warnings in the town only $200 tickets. Glad that did not happen though and after making a bit I decided it would be a good time to move on.
I have been playing the banjo at all sorts of places including downtown, parks, supermarkets, and malls. I even was able to play inside of a Mall Food Court since I was donating part of my proceeds to the Polaski Hurricane Relief. What a fun way too make a living.
Day by day, I keep beginning to realize my life is being formed as a musician.
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