Hello from the doorstep of the Smokies.

I just arrived at Fontana Dam about an hour ago.  What a crazy week it's been.  But "crazy" in a good way.  The terrain has me completely exhausted, but finally feeling like a "real" hiker.  I've been taking fewer breaks now, and my pace is definitely quicker.  The walk down into NOC and up out of it was INTENSE.  I think besides Katahdin, the walk up out of NOC was the largest at-once altitude gain I'll have on the trail, about 3,000 feet.  When BC and I got to the top the skies were grey, the wind was blowing (it must have been in the low 30s as far as temp) and there was a layer of ice on the summit trees.  But Cheoah bald was gorgeous and I really felt accomplished.  Let me just say, however, that I HATE UPHILLS!  :)


I've been hiking mostly with our friend BC since Stew has left.  We try to meet up with Iron Will at times, but he is maybe a day behind us now AND HE HAS MY CELL PHONE!  I know this has caused a little problem with family and I do apologize to you out there (mother, father, grandparents and Stew) who wish to hear from me but cannot.  Let me just quell your fears by saying that I'm hiking with a large number of people every day and if need be, I can get a hold of a phone.  My thinking is that Iron Will will be here at Fontana tonight and get it to me.  If not, I'll leave a message for him to mail it ahead if possible.

The weather has been cold and windy but we are finally starting to see buds on the trees and flowers underfoot.  I'm still keeping my eyes out for bears but to no avail!  :(  I'm sure the Smokies will chock full of them.

My fifteen minutes are almost up but I want to say that I'm having a great time and the hike is intense but all that I've wanted and wished for.  I can't wait to hike through the Smoky Mountains this week.  I'll probably take a zero day in Hot Springs afterwards, where I hope to blog again and include some pictures.

A special "hello" goes out to Stew, of course, and my girl Cowswarts. 

Thinking of you all,
Tara