Heading into Tennessee

Hi all,

I have been on the trail 2 days since Hot Springs NC. Hot Springs is a REALLY SMALL town, but the hiker hotel did have cable and warm showers. Was nice to be in civilization again for a while. This area of the trail is really remote, not much between shelters. I am either ahead of the group or way behind because I haven't seen many people at the shelters. Kim asked if I see homesteads or farms like we do when we are hiking at home, not a one. The trail is not very well marked here, and there is not much to tell you where you are between shelters. So, I keep close to the shelter by shelter method. I woke up this morning to a very scenic view, and could see a large road in the distance. I now know this is I 26, caused I passed by on my way to my camping spot tonight. I have been on a steady climb, one that is constant wearing on your feet and mind. I started at Hot Springs 1326 ft and have been climbing steadily for the last three days to where I am now at Sams Gap 3800 ft. I went past the shelter to camp by a few miles to make tomorrow easier, I am going up Big Bald Mtn at 5516 ft, on my way to Erwin Tn. Erwin is about 20 miles away yet. I have a 7-8 mile climb tomorrow. UP UP and more UP. The weather has been rainy the last couple of days, but warm. Overall I am doing ok, feet are burning a bit, but I just have to rest more. The rest of me is holding up ok. It helps to be able to call out and talk to home. This area is REALLY BIG WOODS, so it is unlikely to run into many people. I have plenty of food and supplies are holding out ok. Bent my hiking pole to bits on a jagged rock yesterday, so will have to either use a big stick or get a new one as soon as I reach Erwin. Same rock that bit my heel. HA HA HA. Well a couple of pics to see where I am. Thanks for following. Night!

Hi all,
I will be close to Hot Springs, NC tomorrow, from my vantage point on Max Patch Mtn
I think I can see the outline of it. I have made it through the Great Smokey Mountain park and have just begin to hike the outer edges and am just west of Asheville NC. There were many mornings I saw why they call it the Smokeys. Everywhere else clear sky, but clouds that look like smoke rings around the mountains, and when you reach their summits the cloud is surrounding you as well. The weather has been beautiful and warm. Some cold nites up on the mountain tops but warm in the valleys. Clingmans dome still had some snow and ice, around the summit, We hitched a ride with a thru hikers husband, he is following her along in their pick-up, so at the Newfound Gap he offered to take us into Gatlinburg. There is an outfitters post there and he offers free showers. Had time to look around, have a diet coke with LOTS of ice, a good shower and rest my feet out of my boots. Picked up my food supply from the post office and then just rested and waited on the shuttle. Phone service was good, so I got to talk to home. That I think is the hardest part, not talking to home as much as i want. The shelters have been pretty full about, 10-11 of us each night. It' s good to spend time with people after hiking mostly in solitude all day. I have not seen any people for two days, Kim wants to know if I took a wrong turn, funny. I passed up the shelter I planned to stay at today and am hiking to the other, from the way it looks all the others have done the same, so I anticipate fellow hikers at the next one. This one is not very clean, and I dont want a bear to come visiting. SO, I press on its another 5-6 miles before I make it and it is 5:00 pm so hiking will be fast and forward. It is very cool all of the scenery, I just came through an area where you hiked the rim of the mountain so you could see for miles, lots of moutains and valleys, all showing the signs of spring color. Had service so I got to talk to Kim for a few minutes. I am getting all of the texts even if my phone is off, so you can send me a message, I like to read them when I turn on the phone. I am going into Hot springs for my food pickup, and I plan to have a good fast food meal and another diet coke. Too bad that doesn't come in freeze dried. Sleeping has been ok, I stay in my tent around the shelter, but havent had to spend the amount of time inside of it like before, been nice enough to sit out until sleep time. Usually really tired, so sleep comes fast. Starting to hear the night noises of the woods.
Nice lullaby.

More pics from Fontana Dam Blog

Sorry couldnt get video to load, I think it is too big. I'll have Kim send it out in email attatchments to you.
Bye!

Fontana Dam

Well I have started again and this time in much better weather, the days are to be in the 70's and no rain until next week. I have crossed over Fontana Dam, the largest TVA dam built, and it is massive, a beautiful resevoir behind it to enjoy. The Fontana Hilton is the shelter at the dam. It is called that because they have showers. Kim and I stayed at the Villages at Fontana Dam, a primo resort, cool cabins. A nice rest for weary hikers. I have a full days hike straight up today as I enter officially into the Smokeys. All registered in and such. There is not much ATT in this area so my blogs will be few and far between, Kim may write for me if I can reach her by verizon phone. Next time I see civilization will be at Newfound Gap, just after Clingmans' Dome. Hope to send more then. Meanwhile, here are some dam pictures he..he..he..., I have also included some pics and a short film from the NOC, whitewater area in the Natahala wilderness, that was in the Ga. Olympics. The trail crosses right over the bridge you'll see in the film. Good place to get some cold drinks, real food and rest with entertainment provided. There were some kayaks on the water when we were there. Thought it looked reallly fun. Notice the thruhikers airing out their feet as they watched, any excuse to get out of those boots. HAHAHA Thanks for following. More Later.

Hi Followers,

Getting ready to head out again to the point I left off. Hoping the weather and mother nature have done all that she can, and now we'll see spring. Hopefully, I can get into a rhythmn again quickly. Having those few weeks out here helped in preparing for this set off. Got a new alcohol stove, lighter and easier to get fuel. Made some weight adjustments in my pack and some pocket additions to reach things quicker. Fontana Dam weather looks good according to the forecast. Wish me luck.