Destination: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Today's miles: 11.0
Total miles: 177.8
A relaxing morning turned into a tough day. We had a nice breakfast at the Fontana Lodge, took our time to pack, bought some supplies to supplement our mail drop (chocolate bars and beef jerky) and got back on the trail around 11:30am.
The hike was easy enough at first, with a neat view of the dam, but once we entered the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we had a steady and steep climb for a few miles. To add to the fun, it was a very hot day with almost no wind at low elevations. The last element to complete the day was the bugs. They were absolutely awful today - I had no idea they would be this bad on this section on the trip. I think most of them are gnats, so I'm not really getting bitten, but they invade nostrils, ears and eyes. When I kept a good pace, they would leave me alone, but I couldn't stop for more than a few seconds without being attacked. Poor Magge can't walk fast enough to escape them so she was hounded all day and nearly had a psychotic break. We didn't have any bug spray because they hadn't been bad enough to warrant carrying the weight yet, but Magge was prepared to keep walking to Gatlinburg to buy some. Fortunately for us, a couple of women at the shelter are going home tomorrow and gave us the rest of their bug spray.
We got hit with a quick but wicked storm after arriving at the shelter. Lightning struck maybe 100 to 200 yards from here and we got some pretty big hail. I think it has passed us now and we're getting ready for bed. We're staying in the shelters throughout the Smokies because you have to by park regulations unless the shelter is full. Although we like having the shelters for nasty weather, I much prefer staying in a tent otherwise, but we'll have to make do for the rest of the week.
We gained nearly 3,000 ft in elevation today, but due to some descents, we probably climbed over 4,000 ft. Tomorrow should be a bit easier, but we'll see if the bugs cooperate.
Picture of the shelter below.
Bugs are not the best companion anytime. It's a good thing you don't have to deal with black flies as well.
ReplyDeleteHow many people can the shelter accommodate?
Glad to see what a shelter looks like, so very sorry about the bugs. Your package was here and Magge's pic-way cute- arrived and I will deliver to her Granparents. Long two travel days in less than pleasant weather, but fabulous trip and more fabulous to be home. Love you both
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