Really it was mostly an un-interesting day though it did start with a lovely sunrise. So far the Smokies don’t look any different the the forest and mountains I’ve been walking through since the start.
There was a bit of a climb leaving the dam but I think I can finally say that the trail legs have started to form. At the top of the climb I found Shuckstack fire tower. The tower is old, shakes in the wind, and rattles once you’re on top. The views looking back to the dam and reservoir are well worth the mildly terrifying climb up the tower.
The bubble of NOBO hikers had maxed out the capacity of the 12 person shelter and there’s at least a dozen tents in the area. There’s warnings for bears in the area but there’s not much we can do about it except utilize the bear box and bear hangs.
I’m fairly content in the tent tonight but the forecast is calling for rain tomorrow so I’m hoping to get an early start and be one of the first 12 people at tomorrow’s shelter. Today marked my first steps in Tennessee. The trail follows the border between N.C. and T.N. for a while through the Smokies so I’m not free of N.C. yet but it is morale boosting to have reached another state.
Day 20 Mileage: 11.8 mi [Fontana Dam Shelter -> Mollies Ridge Shelter ]
Total Mileage: 185.8 mi
Paul – do you still like your Zpacks Arc Haul??
Yeah, I do still like and would recommend it. I like the roll top, hip belt, and shoulder strap. It fits me really well without creating any hot spots. There are a few downsides, but they’re not the end of the world. The pockets aren’t angled so it’s difficult to get the water in and out of the side pocket by myself. It can be done, but it takes some practice and flexibility. The pack is advertised as nearly waterproof – it’s not at all. After about an hour in the rain the material is completely soaked through. As long as everything important is inside a waterproof bag (I use a garbage bag), this isn’t a huge issue. It takes about an hour in the rain and the material soaks through. That’s about it really. Otherwise the pack is great.