Over the past four days the weather has been great (meaning, rain free). I have made steady progress north, covering about 15 miles a day. Today, I came down out of the mountains into Fontana Dam, NC and resupplied at the general store. I am tent camping at the Fontana Dam Shelter, nicknamed the “Fontana Hilton”, because it has flush toilets and showers.
Fontana Lake
Tomorrow, I begin hiking the 72-mile section of trail that cuts through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. My pack is pretty heavy since I am carrying five days worth of food to get me through the park without resupplying.
The trail in Georgia mostly stayed between 3000 and 4000 feet of elevation. So far, in North Carolina, it has mostly been between 4000 and 5000 feet. In the Smokies, the mountains are taller, with about 40 miles of trail above 5000 feet.
In the mountains, it is definitely cooler with most trees having no leaves and only a few types of wildflowers blooming. When I come down into town, it is amazing how much more Spring-like it is.
No bears spotted yet, though I have seen posters about “an increase in close and serious bear encounters”. The biggest mammals I have seen are gray squirrels. The Smokies have lots of bears, so that may be my best hope of seeing one. Instead of a picture of a bear, you will have to settle for these critters.
Ovenbird
Red Burrowing Crayfish
Cambarus (J.) carolinus
After the Smokies, I hope to meet Nancy in Hot Springs, NC next weekend. Since I probably won’t quite make it to the town by then, Nancy may have to test her navigation skills by picking me up at some remote trailhead. Wish us luck.