Date: 2006-03-31
From: NC28 near Fontana Dam

To: Birch Spring Tent Site GSMNP, NC
Miles today: 7.0

Cell good.Last night was a treat to sleep in a real bed with sheets and a pillow. We awoke about 6:30 even though we would have liked to get more sleep.We started our journey today by riding a shuttle down to the dam where we left our packs, we then rode to the marina where we were picked up yesterday. We then slack packed from the marina back to the dam about 1.1 miles. Slackpacking is hiking the AT without your pack or just a day pack,it still counts as hiking on the AT. As we were getting our packs and preparing to hike I made a real bonehead move. I went in and used the restroom, when I came out Snowhoe asked me what I was doing in the ladies room, I turned around and sure enough the sign said woman. Duh, luckily we were the only ones there.We then walked across the Fontana Dam and entered the Great Smokey Mountain National Park [GSMNP]. We walked along the road for about a half mile then started climbing. The park is what their name implies mountains. We hiked from an elevation of 1700 feet to 3760 in over five miles. I was steady but slow, I needed to take a breath with each step but I felt fine.We arrived at our destination and set up our tents quickly. The weather was predicting rain starting in the afternoon and all night long. It didn¢t start raining until 7:30pm, so we were able to eat dinner and have a small campfire before turning in.It¢s now 7:55pm and the rain is coming down hard. I¢m safely tucked away in my tent typing this entry. It looks like my resealing job is working too.While we were sitting by the fire two deer came into the site and were looking for food. One deer got pretty close, the other kept its distance. It was nice to watch them until the rain started.We¢ll be in the GSMNP for the next 6 days - it is about 75 miles from border to border on the AT. We were required to file a backcountry permit and itinerary to be in the park. We¢ll follow it all the way through.Tomorrow has more mountains and a lot more work for us. As I climb the mountains a memory of my Junior High graduation ceremony comes to mind. The song we sang was ¢Climb Every Mountain¢ and here I am doing it. I don¢t really want to "Ford Every Stream," as I don¢t like wet feet.Mrs Old goat has been reading to me the entries in my visitors log. I would like to thank everyone for the words of encouragement. I¢ll try to be informative while I write this journal. I have been following hikers on Trailjournals for years, I too have done this trail vicariously through others' efforts. I've followed "Journey" and "Bumkin" in 2003, "Now or Never" and "Pilgrim Soul" in 2004 and many others in 2005. Their words and efforts where an inspiration to me. If I am helping others by keeping a journal, then sit back and enjoy the ride.Next morning additional info: The rain came during the night. It rained very hard most of the night. My resealing worked as I didn¢t have any leaks in my tent. I think the forecast for today is more rain but it isn¢t raining now so packing should go well.Old GoatFontana Dam Shelter Outside - Click picture to see full sizeFontana Dam - Click picture to see full sizeDie Hard, Snowhoe on Fontana Dam - Click picture to see full size