Date: 2016-04-11
From: Brown Fork Gap shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Oh, it is a long way home today! I really have to push past my comfort zone, and while I did it yesterday, I am reluctant about the increase for today's challenging hike to Fontana Dam area. The good part about today is that I am meeting up with Crumpet, who is coming to take me off the trail for a respite. To make it even more fun, I have snagged SprinkleToes, Crisco and Bushwacker to join us. Just by looking at them,I figured they needed a shower the most! Not really, as we all stink and are really dirty. They are just fun to be around and are enjoyable company.We made plans on where to meet up at the end of the day and I practically bolted out of camp at the ungodly hour of 8:15 am, knowing I would need all day to make the mileage. The map showed a nice downhill day with a few bump ups to keep it interesting. It was perfect terrain for me and I was able to once again stretch out my stride and make good time. I covered the first 6 miles easily and made it to Cable Gap shelter in time for lunch with SprinkleToes,Crisco, Flo, and Sunshine, who all passed me within an hour of my start. They were all soaking their feet in the creek when I arrive, and I joined them in a hurry, as my feet were feeling the mileage. Soon SoLow, Bushwacker and Spider arrived and did likewise. The freezing water felt so good and so awful at the same time! I rested about 45 minutes, then hit the trail again. One small climb up to Black Gum gap, then coast downhill for 4 miles. Are you thinking "easy peasy"? I was, but my oh my what a surprise. The terrain was easy on the feet. Not many rock jumbles to navigate, or nasty roots to trip on, but constant downhills stress the knees in the worst way. Soon, not only were my feet complaining again, but my knees had joined the chorus. I finally put on my IPod to drown out their complaints and that helped to pass the time. It was an afternoon of seeing through the trees down below to the Fontana Dam area and lake, yet not seeming to get any closer, all in all, a pleasant hike. As I descended, dropping to 1900', it was remarkable to see the changes in the trees budding, the bushes turning green and the floor of the forest filled with blooming trillium, may apples, bloodroot and other wildflowes which I can't identify. The green was so lush compared to the browns of the higher elevations. Just before I was about to drop from fatigue, I came to the road crossing and found my way to the information building to call for the shuttle. Lo and behold, there was Bushwacker, sitting and waiting for me so we could ride to the Lodge together. When the shuttle came, he slung my pack over his shoulder and I stumbled along behind, collapsing into the van. We headed up to the resort lodge, unloaded our packs and poles and entered civilization. It was wonderful to sink into the comfortable lounge seats in the common area of the lodge in front of a huge fireplace where we relaxed while waiting for Crumpet. It seemed she was going to be delayed by traffic and so when the restaurant opened at five we headed in. We got a large table and soon were joined by other hikers who are just as hungry. I think we amused the waitress as we ordered great quantities of food and beverages. There is absolutely nothing like coming off the trail from five days of dehydrated food into a restaurant and ordering a hot meal which is then placed in front of you with real silverware and cloth napkins. It was just heavenly. Crumpet arrived and we packed her car with our packs, poles and stinky boots. Soon we were in Gatlinburg, unloading and getting settled into the most wonderful condo. Time for showers and sleeping in a real bed ............