I’ll let the photos do the talking this time! 52 miles and 14,000 feet of ascent in 3 and a half days – we’re pretty tired. Enjoying the civilised delights of Fontana Dam Village for the night – we need to resupply here anyway, and with temperatures forecast to drop to minus 6 overnight we decided to treat ourselves to a night in the Fontana Lodge. Showers, laundry, a chance to share a meal and some beer with other hikers we’ve met along the way, and a warm comfortable bed – nice. Tomorrow we set off into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which the AT weaves through for 72 miles. It’s got a reputation for being tough but beautiful, so we’re both looking forward to it!
Gloomy weather when we got back on trail. There was an enormous thunderstorm while we were in Franklin, but by the time we got back on trail it was at least dry.Some colourful trees brightening up a grey dayCopper Ridge Lookout, and my lovely AtomPack – made just outside Keswick! Lots of people are interested in these packs and have been playing with the customised colour combinations on their website.Woohoo! Trail magic ahead!This is trail magic – Scrunch cooking up tacos for hikers at Tellico GapOysters! Kudo works on an oyster farm and had brought some of their produce along in an ice box. We’d never had them before and were surprised by how nice they were!Looking out from the Wesser Bald fire watch towerPleasant ridge walkingThe trail is mostly well maintained, but there are still occasional obstacles!
Hi Neil, Kevin here, caught up with Peter yesterday and he gave me this web address. This is my 1st day of retirement and what a treat reading about your adventure unbelievable. Just to let you know it is raining back home today but we are sat round the log fire having scones. Keep up the fantastic posts with all the detail; they are great. I am now going to follow you all the way to the end. Just to let you know the machines where running fine yesterday with plenty of paper being made and no computer problems. All the best.
Roz Savage
With oysters and tacos, looks like you’re eating better on the trail than I do at home!
Kevin Allen
Hi Neil, Kevin here, caught up with Peter yesterday and he gave me this web address. This is my 1st day of retirement and what a treat reading about your adventure unbelievable. Just to let you know it is raining back home today but we are sat round the log fire having scones. Keep up the fantastic posts with all the detail; they are great. I am now going to follow you all the way to the end. Just to let you know the machines where running fine yesterday with plenty of paper being made and no computer problems. All the best.
Stephanie Georgia Quarles
I’m so excited to see what you think about the smokies!! Enjoy! Yall are moving a long nicely!!
Helen Blyth
Loving the updates. It looks amazing!