Mile 164.7 to 274.9

Three weeks in and the trail is amazing. Came out of Fontana Dam and up through the Smokies. The first 2 days were cold and windy, but then the sun came out and had a few great days for hiking.
The kids will laugh but there are a few sections in the Smokies that reminded me of Warrensburg!
There were pine forests and a couple of the balds sent my mind back to climbing the rocks at the North River.
I could see the Fruda kids!
After the Smokies, there is a beautiful river with waterfalls which was a welcome sight as the water sources weren’t too plentiful for 4 days or so.
The trail magic continued both at Newfound Gap- thanks to the First Baptist Church, and again at Max Patch Rd.thanks to 2 electricians who had a truckload of food and drinks.
Stayed at an amazing and quirky place at mile 241, the Standing Bear Hostel. Timing was perfect for the celebration of 4/20!
Next day was a bear as we knew the rain was coming for Saturday so I pushed through for a 20 mile day to Walnut Mountain Shelter with an ascent of over 5200′.
As it seems to be going my last day before a zero was raining, so 4 hours in the rain, but made it to Hot Springs and the Hostel at Laughing Heart Lodge, which is just steps from the trail!
Thanks for all for encouragement and comments guys. They’re very much appreciated and keep me going.
Have been hiking with some great people from all over the World and it’s an amazing journey
Until next week, peace out!!