It’s About Dam Time to Get to Gatlinburg

Days 8-18

The second week and a half took me from Hostel Around the Bend to Fontana Dam and then Gatlinburg, about 130 miles. Overall, I had my ups and downs (quite literally) but I’m still in the positive phase of hiking, where the endorphins are still pumping. I took my first nero (near zero mile day) at the hostel and felt much refreshed.

The 24 hours at the hostel felt a lot longer than that, which was great for my mental health. Lots of food, good company, and long conversations with the family. I’m glad I got back on the trail when I did, even in crummy weather, as I don’t want to get into the habit of dodging crappy weather. Embrace the suck as they say. 

100 Miles in and Counting

Crossing the 100 mile mark was amazing. On top of Albert Mountain, I was able to FaceTime with my nephew Albert and show him the clear vistas. That night, I camped on top of Siler Bald, with clear 360° views. By chance, some locals carried up a telescope and we looked at the stars and constellations. Sunrise the next morning, stunningly clear! I once worked a job in Texas where we joked we were paid in sunrises and sunsets. This felt like one of those days.

Going into the NOC, I started meeting up with the same people. I wouldn’t call them a tramily (trail family) yet, though some of us keep ending up at the same campsites. I also don’t have a trail name yet but it’ll come. Feel free to suggest a few in the comments below.

Fontana Dam

Walking into Fontana Dam was like going onto the set of Dirty Dancing. Cabins everywhere, tennis courts, a great lodge, etc. I kept waiting for Patrick Swayze to carry Jennifer Grey into the room during dinner.

At breakfast, I caught up with a friend from my GTMO days. Outside of the laughter and nostalgia, the thing that stuck with me the most was the hug. I realized I hadn’t had more physical contact than a fist bump in over two weeks. On the trail, despite the endorphins and camaraderie, we’re still just strangers walking in the woods. Hugs from old friends brings everything back into perspective.

The best and worst part of Fontana Dam was the resupply package. Package: Amazing, including the origami hearts from my partner. The wait for the UPS driver: not so much. BUT, it did allow me to slow down a little and enjoy the scenery a little more. I was ready to get into the Smokies though…

The Smokies

After Fontana, I entered the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, moving from shelter to shelter and soaking in the spring flowers. The Smokies were as advertised: sweeping vistas, sudden weather shifts, and lots of mist/fog. 

Other than a much needed shower, the main driver for going to Gatlinburg was Peik’s birthday party. Peik is a 59 year old Norwegian hiker who wanted to celebrate his birthday in America. So naturally we went to a country-themed restaurant and an Irish pub, where we sang karaoke into the wee hours of the morning.

Years from now, I feel like I’ll remember watching 15+ near strangers celebrate a 6’4 Scandinavian man’s birthday, more than some of the breathtaking views. And I’m okay with that.

Personal Stats

Number of Birds ID’d: 37

Number of Ramen Packets: 10

Select Earworms: Bartender Song by Rehab (met “Bartender”), Can’t Stop by Mikey Cyrus (gettin’ up those hills!), and All Star by Smashmouth (one of the many karaoke songs).