Date: 2007-04-05
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: scattered clouds

April 5, Fontana Dam Excitement!I woke up proud again today. So proud. Even more proud than I was of my tent yesterday. You see, it was 7:22 a.m. and it was 28.9 degrees...and I was warm! And I had stayed warm all night completely un-aided by hand/toe warmers or hot water bottles! I looked at my watch for the time, looked at the temperature and just smiled (the last time I'll do that, I'm sure). I did make one adjustment last night though. I went to bed with just thermals (I usually wear more clothes if I know it's geting realy cold), a fleece jacket and fleece socks. I woke up at some odd hour and it was 33 degrees and I could feel myself getting a litte cool so I put my down jacket over my sleeping bag to capture the rising heat. It seemed to do the trick because I didn't wake up until morning! I can't convey the excitement. Really. And it totally gave me a little more confidence going into the Smokies.Anyway, I tried to get ready as fast as I could so we could get hiking and, after all, this was a big day - Eric was coming to visit and we would reach Fontana Dam, the gateway to the Smokies! I was full speed.I had to laugh when I went to put my tent away. There was a little condensation on the bottom but no sooner did I reach for a bandana to brush it off, it all turned to little ice crystals! Made it even easier to get off!Luckily, the terrain was a nice break from the days past. A small uphill followed by mostly downhill until we were about a mile away from the dam. Then, we went up just a little and back down. It really was nice not to be climbing all day. And we had views of the dam all day.It was cool out today and windy so pretty much the whole hike was off with the hat, on with the hat; off with the neck gaiter, on with the neck gaiter; zipping and unzipping of the rain jacket; phew. But, honestly, no complaints. I took a short break in the most beautiful place. I have only one word to describe it - idyllic. Everything was green. The sun was shining and some of its rays were making it all the way down to warm me up. The birds were chirping. The wind had died down. I plopped down on a log and just took it all in. It was very peaceful and restful. So many different types of greenery all in one spot. You could sit on the same log all day and still find something new to look at at the end.Shortly after, we crossed NC 28 and I could almost smell the dam. We took a side trip to the Fontana Hilton, the shelter near the dam. It has quite a reputation as being really nice. It was nice but windy. I was thankful that I would have a nice warm place to stay tonight.We caught a shuttle to Fontana Village. Now, let's be clear. The City of Fontana Dam that is noted in the guidebooks is actually called Fontana Village. It is basically a resort campus with a post office, oufitter and restaurants included. Everything you need as a hiker is here but it is all a little difficult to decipher on the trail.So, we checked in and this place is amazing! Who knew I'd be in the lap of luxury 26 days into my thru-hike!? Certain and I headed to the post office on foot (sad) and picked up our packages, then walked back with them (even more sad - does the physical activity never end?). It was exciting. Something about the exchange of needed items from the post office thrills me.Shortly after, I got a knock at my door - who could that be!? Eric was here! Yea! It's always nice to hear from home via email and phone out here but when home comes to you, the feeling is overwhelming. We will rest here for a day before we head to the big, bad Smokies. I pray it won't be too cold.I just looked at Eric's food bag for the next five days and, Derek, you'll appreciate this - he's getting close to Paco's level. So much food. Like 15 pounds worth. Yikes.Well, it's been a big day. I need some sleep. Thanks to everyone who has emailed or left notes on my journal - each of them is encouraging and SO necessary. Thank you!Hope everyone is well.Oh, I have a trail name now! I'm Persistent. Certain wanted to name me that for a while but the other night added fuel to that fire - I stood under a tree limb for literally about 12 minutes trying to hang my bear bag. It was such a good tree, I just couldn't give up. I kept throwing and missing. Sometimes, I'd come close, sometimes I'd lose the rock, sometimes I wasn't close at all.. but I just kept trying and trying until it finally worked. So there you go, I'm Persistent. But either of my parents could have told you that.- Sound of SportsCenter, Eric breathing hard, the heater in the room. Post Trail Thoughts:When we got to the post office, Hungus was there with some other people I can't remember now. They were just stopping in for resupply and heading back out. Hard core.I think I cried when Eric got there. I was so glad to see him and take a break. And I was so glad I would have him there to start the Smokies with me - a sure case of misery loving company!