Date: 2006-04-14
From: Campsite at mile 159.0

To: Fontana Dam 
Miles today: 3.9
Weather: clear sky

This morning there was somewhat of a race getting up and hiking to town. We were about 3 miles from the marina at Fontana Lake but between packing and the short hike it was a great way to get the morning started. When we got to the marina it was somewhat of a let down. The area was not what we had imagined and not really all that nice. Also the shuttle to town doesn¢t start running until 9:00am and it was only 8:15am so we had time to kill. Zoomer, Salt, The Mud-Bogger Brothers and I decided to use this time to hike the 1.1 miles from the marina to the dam so we won¢t have to do it tomorrow or Sunday before heading out into the Smokies. On our way over to the dam we passed some very nice trail supporters from Northern Indiana that were set up at the parking lot by the Fontana Dam Shelter feeding hikers breakfast and giving out supplies. We stopped for some apples, a piece of cherry pie, and a slice of salted ham fresh off the griddle. This is the true definition of trail magic. By the time we made it to the shuttle stop it was just after 9:00am so we caught the shuttle into Fontana Village. The shuttle dropped up off in front of the General Store where I got a few snacks while others went next door to the Post Office to pick up their mail drop supplies. While at the general store several other hikers reserved rooms for the night. Since Mom and Dad will be up later this evening I just stashed my pack and gear in Salt¢s room for the day. About 10 of us then headed to the lodge for lunch. We walked in and found a big round table to gather around and all ordered a hot meal. There is nothing like a big, fat, greasy, bacon cheeseburger after being in the woods for several days straight. The best part of the meal though was, as a few would finish eating and start to leave a few more hikers would show up and fill their spot at the table. I just hung around chatting with everyone and catching up with two weeks worth of sweet tea at one sitting for only $1.25. After our bellies were full and everyone had showers ¢except me¢ we went on down to the recreation center to try our hand at a game of putt-putt golf. Holly, Jen, Rip, Salt, and myself went to the clubhouse and thought we had really hit a good deal because the little lady behind the counter said since we were hikers she wouldn¢t charge us for our game. We grabbed our clubs and made our way out the door to hole number one to get started. With just one look at the course I had second opinions on our good deal because if I had paid I would have been one pissed off little puppy. The little lady should have issued us a leaf blower, hammer, nails, and new carpet instead of clubs so we could rebuild the course. The condition of the course though actually added a lot of fun to the game because once we teed-off the ball our rule was play-it where it lands. No matter if the ball was off the course, in the water, or even if you couldn¢t see the ball for the leaves covering it you had to play it where it landed. Just keep in mind Fontana Village is really pretty nice, however it is a summertime resort and we were there in early spring before it was completely ready for business. After the golf game we had to head back to the General Store for a little more junk food with ice cream being on the top of the list. Just about as I took my last bite of ice cream sandwich Mom and Dad showed up with big smiles. We ran up to the office just before closing time to get checked in then went to our room to get settled. It just so happens that the office staff put all of our hiking party in one building making it very handy for all of us to hang out together. Around dark everyone gathered around the patio enjoying a few cool refreshing drinks. A few of us had more that others but it was part of the fun. For a mid-night snack we cranked up the Coleman stove there in the parking lot and made some of the best hotdogs with the fixings that I have ever had. I ended the night with a hot shower before jumping into a soft bed. Tonight¢s Crew at Fontana Village: Holly, Jen, Rip, Bare Bear, Dick Tracy, Wild Bill, H-Bomb, Shasta, Salt, Pepper, Mom, Dad myself, and a few biker dudes.