18 miles on Day 18

Well that was the plan anyways. I came up just short at 17 miles for logistical reasons. I arrived into Fontana Dam just before 6pm. There is zero cellular service at Fontana Dam. However there is a phone with a direct connection to Fontana Village. Given my options were down to one, they sent the maintenance guy to pick me up (shuttle service ends at 5pm).

Fontana Dam is the last place to resupply before you hit the Great Smoky Mountains. The general store to resupply closes at 5pm also. Sooooo unless I wanted to walk 1.1 miles to the next shelter, and then walk back 1.1 miles to resupply in the morning, and retrace 1.1 miles again along the trail, my only other option was to stay at Fontana Village.

I woke up around 7:45 on a brisk 40 degree morning. I slept on a slight slope and my sleeping pad nestled on the downhill side of my tent. It created an almost hammock-like effect and I slept fairly well. After breakfast I got started on the trail around 8:30 (decently early for me).

I got heckled by a car passenger on my way out of Stecoah gap. While mildly perturbed by this unprovoked verbal attack, I felt more pity for this individual than anything else. Like a high school bully who turned out to be nothing in life. Some of us are out here making plans and living our dreams. It’s no skin off my teeth if you want to look down on that, I’ll keep doing me.

The hiking today went well. I’m not sure if it’s the footwear change, or dare I say developing my trail legs, but the downhills the last 2 days have not nearly been as bad.   That said they’re still not enjoyable, especially after 14 miles. With a few miles left down the mountain to Fontana dam, I found an appealing looking cave, that looked like a good place to curl up and die inside of.

Random thought of the day: these plants look like the “tree star” from the movie Land Before Time.

I was impressed with Mother Nature and the sheer green-ness of the emerging spring today. I also started a new audio book, “Outlive: the science and art of longevity”. It’s by Peter Attia MD who’s podcast I follow and so far is fantastic listen for anyone who cares about their own long term health. I should look into it I can get CME for listening lol.

Fontana Village had a nice restaurant, I got a hot meal, a hot shower and was able to watch some NBA playoff basketball (big Lakers fan here).

While not how I planned the day to end I’m not mad about it. The smokies start tomorrow!

Stow away in my pack for Day 19 on the Appalachian Trail.

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Comments 3

  • thetentman : May 3rd

    Good luck. Thx for the Food porn.

    Cheers.

    Reply
  • Pinball : May 4th

    Just want to say thanks for posting daily.

    Reply
    • Derek Witteman : May 10th

      Thanks for the follow, I appreciate it

      Reply

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