Starting today's virtual hike with...yes...more rain.
Really????
A quick breakfast of rice and dried fruit (and hot coffee, of course) and we are ready to enter the Smoky Mountains.
Hey...I have been here REAL TIME. Who knew? I've probably even hiked a bit of the trail before.
We will see.
A shorter hike today...all in all, about 12 miles.
Hikers backpacking thru must get a permit.
If you are caught spending even one night without a permit you will be fined $125.00
Starting off refreshed from our two back to back Zero
Days...and going to take it at a much slower pace through the Smoky Mountains...because there is so much to see!
First stop before we leave the dam is the Fontana Visitor's Center.
https://youtu.be/MO7FSqSJ9oM
The dam is 480 feet tall and was built during WWII to provide adequate electricity to the area.
Fontana Lake (created by the dam) is used for kayaking, boating, canoeing and fishing.
The center is open May through October.
Onward we go...
Crossing the Little Tennessee River
Shuckstack Fire Tower
The top is 50+ stairs from the ground.
Happy climbing.
Zack's AT hike from Fontana to Shuckstack Tower
https://youtu.be/FhZ4Xl5alOc'
and the view from the top
About a mile and a half down and we come to Birch Spring Gap.
Where we see our first black bear on this adventure.
Unlike Grizzlies from the Western States, black bears are rather shy and rarely get aggressive except over food...or if it is a mother with cubs.
(she will charge you)
And despite their cute cuddly bumbling nature never ever ever feed the bears.
Act like big begging pets.
NOT PETS.
The Shelter at Birch Spring Gap
(Warning for those who came from Fontana Dam and take the AT this route...the next crossroad (civilization) is 40 miles...so make sure to carry in all supplies...especially food...you will need...or you are going to get really hungry....)
4 miles up the trail we reach Doe's Knob
A nice place to drop and relax. Take in the spectacular view.
Our next stop Ekaneetlee.
Not a lot here...but after today's climb it is nice to see some flat ground again!
Don't get used to it...
It won't last.
Mollies Ridge.
Legend has it that the Ridge was named after a Cherokee Indian maiden who froze to death here while looking for a lost hunter.
Not to worry...we will be staying at the Summit tonight.
Today's hike with PT who we have caught up with again on the trail.
Fontana to Mollies Ridge Shelter
https://youtu.be/oF_qYwV4tJ8
and at Mollies Ridge we also find "Strutter" "Osprey" "Spirit Walker" ,
"Froggy Pete"and "Drifter".
Although Mollies Ridge has no Privy...it does have a grand old stone fireplace.
There will be warmth and camaraderie tonight!
Clarence on Throne Rock (just outside of Fontana Dam).
And we have completed 177 miles of the AT.
Only 2014.3 miles to go!
Until next time.
Love,
Beans
Vlog of Handstand's (Liz) thru-hike on the AT
https://youtu.be/FnxYQ921rjU
