Destination: Fontana Dam Shelter (then to Fontana Village, NC)
Today's miles: 6.6
Total miles: 166.8
We had a relatively short walk to the Fontana Dam Shelter, where a shuttle picked us up and dropped us off in Fontana Village, a little resort community. The dam, which I believe we'll actually walk across tomorrow as part of the trail, is the tallest in the eastern US and was once the fourth tallest in the world. The closest towns are around 30 miles away, so we had to rely on the resort for our resupply and laundry needs. Luckily, it's currently the offseason and they have cheap rooms for hikers.
Tomorrow, we'll enter the Smokies and won't resupply for 6 days. I'm not sure what the cell service will be like, so it may be at least that long until updates get posted here.
I want to take the opportunity here to praise the service of Ultralight Adventure Equipment, the maker of my Circuit backpack. It's been a great pack so far, but one of the adjustment straps on the hip belt ripped off on Saturday. They are very popular backpacks for thru-hikes and I've never read about durability issues, so I must have just had bad luck. From the NOC, I emailed the owner on Saturday at 7:15am his time in Utah and received an email 20 minutes later stating he'd send a replacement hip belt that day so that I'd have it to carry my heaviest load of the whole trip through the Smokies. As promised, the belt arrived at the hotel today. Thanks, Chris from ULA.
Picture below is of Fontana Lake from the AT just past the shelter.
Wow, I am indeed impressed by the fast response from ULA and subsequent immediate deed. That is great service and must make you feel good that you chose such high quality backpack which is backed by excellent service and support.
ReplyDeleteOff you go on your journey with your overhauled backpack,clean undergarment(s) and fresh supplies. Picture of the Fontana Lake looks so serene. Too bad you have to keep on walking and not be able to spend too much time enjoying more of the surroundings. I guess it is a good thing otherwise you would not finish this trek in the allotted time.