Greetings from Fontana Dam, NC!
Since I last updated the world, we have traveled about 55 more miles up to the entrance of Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Day 13 - our last day in Franklin, NC. We had another delicious breakfast at the Normadie (for all you Albany folks, this is the equivalent of the Quickie - we were the youngest by about 45 years, and I was one of 3 women who didn't work there). We also made one more trip to the Outfitter in town. This is the same guy who helped Robbie and I out with our feet a few days before. We learned to our dismay, that if we had been about two weeks later, he was moving shop to a bigger location that would include a Micro Brewery in the outfitter! A hiker's DREAM! Alas. This will give me reason to return to Franklin one day.
After wrapping up our duties in town, we caught the 11:00 shuttle back to Winding Stair Gap where we had exited the trail a few days before. We proceeded to hike the 11.5 miles to our Shelter for the evening, going over Wayah Bald, which had spectacular views all around, including views out to the Smokies. We also met up with a new crew of hikers we have been traveling with since. A wonderful couple from Portsmouth, OH, Chris and Cassandra have made fabulous company. As well as Rooster, Ben, Kyle, and 61 year old Trail Movin (named because he his always up and moving at dawn).
Day 14 - Had a long day of about 15.5 miles, up a couple mountains and then down about 3,000 feet to the Natahala River basin. This was a rough day on Robbie, whose knees have continued to give him trouble.
Day 15 - this is what we thru hikers call a Nero day (near zero). It was a short half mile from our campsite to the NOC (Natahala Outdoor Center) where we gorged on ice cream, hamburgers, onion rings, and... BROWNIE SUPREME! This however, was also where I parted with Robbie, though hopefully only temporarily. He decided to hitch a ride into Bryson City to see a doc about his knees, and hopefully get something to ease the pain. I decided to keep moving, since I will be taking a zero day in Gatlinburg in a few days to see an old friend of mine. The idea is that Robbie will meet me there.
After parting ways, I continued the 7 miles back up and out of the Natahala River basin. Though it consisted of multiple hills, I called this day the 7 Mile Mountain day. It was a quick climb of close to 4,000 feet. It was rough! But I made it, and met a large crew at the Sassafrass Gap Shelter.
Day 16 - Happy St. Patties day! For those who were with me in Butte last year, you will be pleased to know that this year did not involve any ER visits for myself or friends :) Another longer day, but the miles felt pretty good. Made it 15.2 miles to Cable Gap Shelter where I again camped with my new friends Chris, Cassandra, Rooster, Kyle, Ben, Trail Movin, and Jeff.
The morning brought great views from Cheoah Bald, but the day was largely filled with steep ups and downs. Had a wonderful evening at the shelter, chatting with my most recent family, and taking a single shot of Tennessee Whiskey to celebrate the holiday!
Day 17- Fontana Dam. This is another nero day for most of the crew I've been hiking with. It was an easy 6 miles in to the dam where we have showered, laundered our dirty trail gear, and gotten some grub. For me, and many others, we will be staying at the shelter known as the Fontana Hilton tonight. It sleeps 24 (most shelters sleep 6-14) and has bathrooms with running water! True style. A few are staying in the Fontana Lodge, but I decided I couldn't miss the oportinity to stay at the Hilton!
Hope all is well with everyone out there. I certainly missed my Missoula family yesterday - thought of Butte many times as I hiked :)
I should be able to update again from Gatlinburg this weekend. Until then, farewell!
Kensey
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