Made It to the Smokies

Stats: Friday night, MM 164.7

(27.4 new miles, 173.5 total miles)

Started out from the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) on Tuesday morning. Tough start – 6 miles straight up, 3,000 feet elevation climb. Even with that we still managed to get in 11 miles. It’s getting easier as we get stronger each day.

Packs line up at the NOC. No worries about stealing;
honor code among hikers.

Enjoying our day off at the NOC

We stayed at Cable Gap shelter Tuesday night, tenting as usual. The next day looked like rain – we woke up in the dark and folded up camp to get an early start. Hiked in the dark to start our day. Thankfully it never did rain. Turned out to be a beautiful day, great day to hike.  

On the down side, quickly realized the new boots were not working out – not a good fit. Two new blisters and now my legs ached. But thankful I was able to keep going and didn’t have far to go before meeting Mary and getting different boots.

Wednesday night met Killer, Lady Catherine, Puma, Flipper, Catfish. The trail doesn’t seem too crowded until you get to a camping place or shelter. It’s sometimes hard to find camping space! It was a beautiful and warm night, and dry. I was so hungry I ate two dinners, then went to bed early, shortly after 6:30pm.

Thursday we hiked to Fontana Dam where Mary and Bald Eagle’s wife met us for a zero day and resupply. We got there around 11AM, did our laundry, and waited for the ladies. Once again it rained after we got off the trail, continued good timing. They arrived around 6:30 and picked us up, had dinner with MoonDog, who was heading out the next day.

From the porch of the general store, Fontana Village

It was great to see Mary – it’s been almost 3 weeks since she dropped me off. Mary brought me some surprises and re-supply items. And she’s taking some things back to lighten my pack for the Smokies. We enjoyed a zero day doing some shopping, nice lunch and dinner with Bald Eagle and Robin, and resting.

The boots Mary brought from home feel really good. I called the place that sold me the new boots, and they agreed to take them back for a refund. Very thankful for that!

I have taken over 200 pictures. I know many of the pictures look the same, but each day the new views are just so beautiful. I tried to take a few more this time of the trail so you can see how it is.

I’m doing well and really enjoying the hike; I am blessed to be able to do this. It’s challenging and rewarding each day to tick off more miles in my book. I’m enjoying meeting people from all over the world and getting to know them as we run into many of them at different places. So far most everyone is really nice and friendly.



Taking a break along the way, three tired amigos

Saturday morning Mary and Robin dropped us off to start our trek into the Smokies. We're going to miss Moondog, but will hopefully catch up to him at some point.

And we're off!

The AT is 70 miles through the Smokies at 5000+ feet most of the way, and the highest point on the trail at Clingman’s Dome: 6600 feet. The first climb is 1700 feet in 3 miles, then a more steady climb to 5000 feet and up, then we walk across the ridge.

Please pray that I don’t get any new blisters, and that the old ones heal quickly. Also pray that I am able to stay safely warm as I go through the Smokies. The forecast is for the 20’s at night and 40’s – 50’s during the day. My goal is to make it through in 7 days. Mary is picking me up on the other end for another zero day, will update you then.

I enjoy reading your encouraging comments on my blog and on Facebook when I have internet service. Thank you for your continued prayers and support!