Had a solid day today. I was aiming for Fontana dam and the shelter
there because it's called "the Hilton" but here I am sitting in my
tent up the hill away from the shelter. Although the hilton was nice I
really prefer the privacy and quiet of my own space. No snoring to
keep me up either.
I got up about 7:00 and was out early today at 7:45. The hiking was
nice all day except at the end when there was about 2.5 miles of steep
downhill. Two weeks in and I now very much prefer going up. It's
easier on the body, only making me winded, whereas the downhill kills
my feet and knees. Blisters are doing okay, my right foot is in great
shape but my left has several that won't quit. I've mostly gotten used
to them. I met a couple new hikers today, chainsaw and navigator, two
cool older guys, and T-trick, another older guy but not so nice. A bit
strange actually.
I made really good time, although I never know how good because I
don't have a watch. I did 12.7 miles and got in no later than 2, so
that's more than 2 miles an hour, which is what I've been aiming for.
I went into town with some other hikers, yumyum and herro from
yesterday were also riding with me, and I hung at the store for a
solid hour and a half. I probably walked the food aisles 20 times, and
it was a tiny place, so I was looping around that place nonstop. I had
a basket and everything, and ended up with fuel enough to make it to
at least Gatlinburg, TN. I've heard there's a free shuttle in from
Newfound Gap, and it's a bizarre tourist town, so it'll be a fun stop.
Plus Dollywood is there I think. Oh yeah!
I got a shuttle back to my campsite from this lady named Cathy who
said she's been doing it for years, and she was old so I believe it.
She actually said something really neat, calling the trail "the great
equalizer", because no matter who you are or where you come from, the
trail is the same for everyone. I liked that.
When I was at the store I tried to make a quick post on the computer
they had because I thought I wouldn't be able to at the campsite, but
I was lucky enough to get a signal. So tomorrow I'm shooting for a 16
day, but i've heard there's a chance of rain, so that could slow me
down. I'll just have to see what happens. Smokies here I come!
Total miles: 163.7
DAN GREAT TO HEAR FROM YOU ... WAITING FOR MARY FOR SUPPER DOING YARD WORK TOMORROW BE CAREFUL WHEN LEAVING CAMPSITE GOING INTO LOCAL TOWNS REMEMBER YOUR SAFETY, AND ENTIRE TRIP ARE IN YOUR PACK &TENT JUST A FRIENDLY REMINDER NOT TO LET YOUR GUARD DOWN AROUND THE OUTSKIRTS OF TOWNS... YOUR GREAT PROGRESS COULD BE OVER BY TRUSTING EVERYONE.GLAD YOUR BLISTER FOOT IS GETTING BETTER , KEEP FIXING, SOAKING THE BAD ONE WHEN YOU CAN MOM JUST SHOWED ME THE FIRST PIC WE HAVE SEEN OF THE BEARDED MAINE COON CAT ON HIS WAY TO BECOMING THE NEW DANIEL-BOONE-SON YOU LOOK HAPPY IN THE MOBILE COMMAND CENTER...BE HAPPY, BE SAFE, BE SMART, BE HEALTHY,BE CAREFUL OF INJURY WHEN PUSHING TOO MUCH,YOUR BRAIN IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF EQUIPMENT YOU HAVE AND YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN A GREAT ONE FROM GOD...PEACE OUT GLAD YOUR REALLY ENJOYING THE TRAIL WITH ALL ITS UNKNOWNS, BE CAREFUL GOING DOWNHILL WHEN TIRED AT END OF A LONG DAY THATS WHEN ACCIDENTS CAN OCCUR.JUST FYI LOVE YOU "COON CAT" DAD+++
ReplyDeleteHi Dan ! We just had your favorite meal - Burgers! Mary came over and we're watching the sox. Youk saved the game last night along with Drew's grand slam and a great hit by Lowell. They have not found their groove yet...hopefully they will. Sure loved getting that pic. You don't even look grungy ! I worked with a traveling surgeon today. He's from North Carolina. He found out you were doing the trail and he said he has hiked much of the trail. We were talking about all the places you have been. He said he was envying you because he always wanted to do a thru-hike! He lives midstate somewhere..can't remember the town. Lots of people are following you Dan. I'd say you've become a little bit of a celebrity. Love you, Mom
ReplyDeleteDan, We've read every day of your progress, very interesting. Love hearing of the different characters you meet. Nice to know that most all of them are decent and helpful, with just a negative one every now and then. Sort of like life in general. We continue to pray for your good health and the healing of those blisters. Love, John and Natalie
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ReplyDelete.Hi Dan, We read your blog last night, but were too tired to wtite then. Next morn. You are seeing Paart of our great country the way the pioneers did, Dan, & we think that's thebest possible way to do so. Lots of new place names you are coming up with also. We think your progress has been really remarkable, & especially when you have been doing lots of it with your sore feet. Take care of yourself Love Mormor & farfar
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