Day 24 – Into the Smokies, Take 2

After another (expensive) rest day with Fancy Pants at the Lodge at Fontana Dam, I felt ready to go. My new pack (Gregory Jade 53) was easier to pack than my old one since it’s a little larger, so I no longer have to cram my food bag to close the lid on the backpack. The hip belt is also very rigid, and the shoulder straps more sturdy, making the pack easier to put on. I do wish it had more outer storage for things like my rain fly, but the side pockets have lots of room for my toiletries, etc, so I am overall happy with my new pack.

I had some oatmeal for breakfast, hopped on the shuttle to the trail, and found Sammy (I’m trying to name him Tour Guide because he knows a lot about the area). I met Sammy on my day off yesterday and he wanted to hike together today. Works for me! I was full of energy and ready to hit the trail at full speed. I had “happy feet” as Lazy Boy would call it.

We made our way across the dam and got a picture at the sign for the smoky mountains (take 2), then started up the road at a quick pace.

The weather was great for us, no real rain and moderate temps. Despite going at a pace that felt pretty quick for me, we were passed by plenty of faster guys who hadn’t taken 5 days off for being sick.

Before I knew it, we were miles up the trail and any remaining fears I may have had were totally gone. This trail was just like all the other parts of the trail, just with more up.

So we went, up and up and up and up, for about 12 miles until the shelter we would be at for the night. I knew it would be a full shelter, so I set up my hammock while the last few spots filled in.

I have said it before and I’ll say it again – I am not a fan of staying in shelters. Uncomfortable for many reasons, such has sleeping way too close to strangers, I don’t have a sleeping pad appropriate for the hard floor, and today, simply too many people. Party people.

Even though it’s raining, and it’s getting slightly wet inside my hammock due to the breeze sending water droplets under my rain fly, I would choose being damp over crowding into the smoky, loud shelter. I feel bad for the Warrior Excursions guys who are out here to camp and enjoy the quiet and who are experiencing the party culture of the AT for the first time tonight up close and personal. 

It’s only 6:30 but with the freezing wind outside, I am bundled up in my hammock ready to read and sleep with my earplugs in.

I’m proud of myself for taking the extra day to eat and sleep myself back to feeling normal, and I’m proud of myself for doing 12 miles today with about 4000 ft of elevation gain.

Can’t wait to be out of the Smokies and away from the shelters full of partiers. 💀

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