Date: 2003-04-22
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was really a great day! It all started last night when my head hit my fleece jacket (my trail pillow) at 8 pm. I was talking with some of the others in the shelter, and then, bam, I was asleep. I'm sure it was due to the fact that I got no sleep the previous night. There were only 7 of us at the Hilton last night and I got everyone's solemn vow that they wouldn't snore...and everyone kept it ! It was fabulous and quiet and I slept like a baby all night. Then, Dutch made "Moons Over My Hammie"...ham, egg and cheese sandwiches...for breakfast for himself, Reason and me. It was awesome!!! As always after a zero day, it was a bit hard to get pack and boots on and get moving, but I soon got into the swing of things. We entered Smoky Mountain National Park, and started up the trail. Dutch and I were leapfrogging the first part of the trail, as we both had to adjust clothing and packs. We met a trail maintainer who was really nice. She talked to me about the rules !of the park, and updates to shelters along the way. A little further up the trail, Dutch had gotten ahead of me, but had stopped. At first I thought he was looking back to where we had been staying, as you could see across the lake from where he was standing. Then I realized that about 7 feet in front of him was a young doe, digging and grazing in the underbrush. I had seen a couple of deer a few days prior, but it was just a glimpse as they ran away (I had startled them by hitting my poles together...hadn't realized they were there). This was incredible, though...we both were able to take pictures of her, and were talking. A buck appeared down the trail, but was more skittish. The deer didn't move till I tried to walk by her...and then she only moved a little ways away. It was a really amazing experience. We decided, however, that if the bears in the Smokies were as tame as the deer, we were going to be in trouble. The hike to the shelter wasn't bad. Mostly grad!ed,not a difficult climb. There were thousands of flowers that had come to bud, but were waiting for a warmer, sunnier day to bloom. This was definitely not that day. It was overcast, but didn't rain. The sun peeked out occasionally, and it would warm up briefly, however, it was pretty cold all day. It's very difficult to decide what to wear on days like this, and also difficult to regulate one's body temperature. The shelter we're staying at, Mollie's Ridge Shelter, is made of stone, and is quite quaint looking. It's also very cold here, but Happy Feet made a lovely fire in the fireplace, so it's feeling a bit more cozy. I'll still be wearing all the layers I have tonight...thermolene top and bottom, goretex rain pants, fleece hat and gloves. I may take my fleece jacket off to use for my pillow...as usual. However, my hiking pants may have to do tonight. It may get down to/below freezing! Tonight in the shelter are myself, Cruiser, Tim, Sketch, Happy Feet, Dutch, Reason, Famous Shoes and Taro. A bunch more, including Psycho Pat, G.I. Gypsy, Troy and Argon went on to the next shelter 2.5 miles ahead. I am glad we stopped here...my feet were tired and I was ready for something hot to drink (double chocolate hot cocoa...yum!!)Now, I'm ready to sleep...Night all!