Date: 2014-03-31
From: Fontana Dam Visitor Center

To: Birch Spring Gap
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: overcast clouds

In which I head into the Smokies and hike by myself for hours before seeing anyone.Well, I did it again. Got this journal entry all written and totally erased it. Don't know how I managed to do that...so frustrating but here I go again.I got back on the trail after a 5 day zero for a wonderful visit with my family! So awesome to see them and spend time with my kids all in one location, even got in a little bowling, a horse show, a lot of eating and some good hanging out.We arrived at Fontana Dam around noon and started walking from there. I had the pleasure of walking over the bridge with my dad while my mom went to park the car at the other end of the dam. Once parked she came and walked for a bit while my dad parked the car further up by the trailhead to the Smokies. The weather was sunny and temp in the 50's after a snowy, cold day yesterday, a welcome change. We got to the kiosk and deposited my permit into the box, gave each other hugs, shed a few more tears and off we went in our respective directions. My parents headed back home and I officially began my trek through the Smokies.My experience hiking on the trail this go around has been vastly different than my beginning from Springer Mtn. When I left Springer Mtn. there were people everywhere, excitement and expectations filled the atmosphere. I stepped on to the trail fully confident in my decision and ability to hike. I was ready to go! The trail was a full on highway of people, alone time was negligible. There was no quiet communion with nature as one walked. I met people, we hiked together and formed friendships quickly and hiked together until we got to Fontana Dam. There we parted ways, one on to town, one on to hike. Towns and weather have a way of separating hiking groups, however there is also a yo-yo affect on the trail where people pass each other then catch up eventually. Those people who haven't been seen in days suddenly show back up.This go around I hiked for at least two hours before I saw another person. The trail was quiet. There was only the sounds of birds and bees. Solitude was plentiful. My mood was a little more melancholy. I was missing my hiking buddies. I felt a little more fearful and less confident about what was to come. Everything and every one was new all over again. But I still was very happy to be back on the trail and continue this adventure. I have the chance now to really hike my own hike. I don't have a schedule to keep. I can go at my own pace, smell the roses when I want, take breaks when the spirit moves and do as I please. Although lonely at the minute it is also very freeing.The climb out of Fontana Dam was a long, slow, steady uphill trek. I reached Shuckstack fire tower and finally saw some hikers. Bman and J cool were taking a break by the side trail up to the fire tower. Trudger and Ray Charles were also there, hadn't seen them since Neel's Gap. Magic Man also appeared. I took the side trail up to the fire tower and climbed up a few flights of stairs above tree line. The view was spectacular but the tower was very rickety and not for the faint of heart.I moved on and got to the camping area where I met Cheese Steak from NJ, Malibu from OH, Bones from NC and a section hiker Mark from Atlanta. I set up my tent in one of the last tent sites available then cooked dinner around the fire. Many stories were told of their escapades at the "Fontana Dam Hilton". Three other hikers were headed out to go night hiking. It's almost 8pm and you know what that means...hikers midnight and it's time for bed. I finally got my new Enlightened Equipment down quilt and I have to say I'm loving it! So warm and light weight and wonderful! Sweet dreams!