Into the Smokies

In the Fontana Bubble

 

Back on the trail.  I thought the resupply at Fontana was the best yet.  Not a lot of fluff , just practical stuff.   The Village was nice.  Not every place was open but nice.  Had a nice dinner with a bunch of friends and then turned in for the evening in anticipation of getting back to the trail.   Sometime during the night a tree fell on the power line to the lodge, started a fire so we woke up to pitch dark.  The lodge was very kind to offer us a free continental breakfast with hot coffee.

We, Kevin-n-Leah caught the first shuttle to the Dam and headed up into the Smokies.

1. 

Walking my own pace

So far I have been able to do right around 10-12 miles a day in the mountains.   Some days 8 seems like enough.   I am convinced I have the slowest pace of anyone on the trail so I try to make up for it by starting early in the morning.   Normally I get to see everyone as they pass me on the trail.   I really am glad as I enjoy my time alone with the trail and my thoughts.   The only downside I see is that I have to carry my pack longer.  To be honest sometimes my pack feels just right, like it is a part of me, sometimes.

I am discovering some interesting things about me.  Not to say there is anything especially interesting about me but that, for example, I  absolutely love being with and talking to my trail friends but find myself overwhelmed by all the traffic and people in town.   It is nice to have a shower and laundry but I find myself longing to hoist my pack back to my back and feel the trail under my feet.   I believe that a huge plus to my pace is that I see more of the little things from the trail.  Anyone who has been following my blog knows I seem to be obsessed with all the hearts I see along the way.  I believe I have seen and placed close to a hundred rock hearts along the trail.  It’s fun for me when someone mentions to me they have noticed them or have begun to find them as well.   I think of them as love from the trail.  I’m sure the world would be a better place if more people were finding love along their path.  Or even better spreading love along their journey through life.

Yesterday was Sunday so that was my sermon.

Milestones

First I now am over 200 miles down the trail . 

1. I’m in my 3rd state, Tennessee.   I have, according to some, hung in longer than 25% of those who have started a thru hike.   I have been to the highest point of the AT, Clingmans dome. 

I am now experiencing the absolute magic of the Smokies.   Life is good!

May your legs be strong

May your pack seem light

May you experience a great deal of Peace in your journey