Date: 2018-11-21
From: Fontana Dam NC

To: Stecoah Gap, NC
Miles today: 15.6

Today was my first day back on trail after two weeks off. I had a great vacation in Florida, and now ready to get back to finishing the  trail. I drove my car from home for more flexibility for shuttles and moving around. I returned to Fontana Dam, where I left off in October, after completing the Smokies. I drove in from Alcoa, TN in the morning, along the Little Tennessee River.  A light fog hung over the river as the sun came out. It was a gorgeous drive, and one I highly recommend in the fall. Along the way I saw an eagle perched in a tree across the river. I thought it was important to look into the spirit meaning of the eagle. Basically, it¢s time to look inward and allow my heart to guide me. "An eagle is indicates that opportunities may present themselves when least expected. Those who are guided by the Eagle spirit animal are grounded. Even though the Eagle can soar to great heights, they are still strongly connected to the earth. Those guided by the Eagle are also resilient and in complete harmony with the spiritual aspects of their lives. Unafraid of the unknown, these seekers accept life¢s challenges with unshakable courage, determination and confidence. Eagle totems appear to inspire (push) you to reach higher and become more than you think you are capable of. They tell you to be courageous and really stretch your limits and see what you can do. They bring a sense of courage and a desire to explore and grow. To dream of a flying eagle or one who is perched high signifies good fortune or victory coming your way. The lesson of the eagle is to take a look from where it sees. You must have the courage to relinquish stale and comfortable habits and beliefs to soar into unknown realms and new realities - continually expanding your view. Now is the time to take full responsibility for your life and be prepared for instant destiny."Seeing the eagle this morning seemed apropos. The hike today was a little rough, but I expected that after being off trail for two weeks. There were some steep climbs, and it pushed the limits of my glutes. I wanted to start back on trail here though, because of the elevations and the fact that it would get my trail legs back under me quickly. The day was sunny and pleasant. I stopped by the "Fontana Hilton", a nice, modern shelter perched over the lake with bathrooms, a solar charger for electronics, and a nice fire pit. If I was camping in shelter, this would definitely be a place I would want to stay. When Blueberry and I made a run at and end-around of Hurricane Florence, we were planning to camp here our first night. Our effort was thwarted by the closure of the trail. As I approached a road crossing, a short way from the Fontana Dam Shelter, I saw an 8x11 posted attached to a sign post. I stopped to read it, as sometimes people are looking for lost dogs or passing on important information to hikers. The photo was of a man named James, trail name "BamaHiker". it was his dream to hike the AT after he retired, but unfortunately, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer two years before retirement, and passed away. His wife had posted the poster, and put his boots at the foot of the sign post, filled with pebbles. Her husband had done some short hikes, completing over 165 miles of the trail. Fontana Dam was the last point he had hiked on the AT. She encouraged hiker to take a pebble and carry it, being symbolic of James hiking the AT, and help her husband's dream come true. She provided an email address for hikers to take a photo at the end of their hike, and email to her. I reached into one of the boots and selected a dark reddish/brown pebble, put it in my pocket and took a photo of the poster. "BamaHiker" will remain with me for the remainder of my hike.The leaves have become a much deeper layer during the two weeks I've been off, to the point I can't see rocks and roots underneath. I love the sound of the leaves as I walk along, but it is difficult hiking as the invisible roots and rocks make my ankles and feet twist and turn. It appears I am going to step on flat, solid ground, then "whoop", I'm slipping on a root or torquing my foot. It does require slowing down to be more assured of footing. There was a nearly full moon out by the time I finished by hike. Christine was patiently waiting for me with snacks and cold drinks!