This last weekend was mine and Justin's semi-annual hiking of sections of the Appalachian Trail. 4 days around 46 miles of hiking from Fontana Dam, NC south to Wayah Bald.
Frost is not a great sign on the morning of the hike. The low the first night out was 30 but during the days the temperature would hit 70, so not all that bad. The wind kicked up the last night and it stayed chilly on Tuesday.
After seeing a bear and a boar last year, Justin and I brought along secret service protection. Not actually. Cary, our friend from MSU days, joined us for the little walk this year.
Fontana Dam
The shelter by Fontana Dam might be the best one on the trail, but we didn't stay here.
This year's portion of trail was probably the toughest yet. There was a 6 mile, 3500 foot descent into Wesser and then a 4 1/2 mile ascend out of it. Add in a couple more grueling ascends and I can attest that this is a section that will take its toll on you.
Our shelter for the first night. 
Funny to see a bench on the trail.
After a 15 mile day and rolling in around 8.00, the 2nd shelter was a welcome sight. Yep, at 8.00 we were hiking by head lamps for the last hour. So we had hiked roughly 24 miles the first 2 days, since 11 on Saturday. A thru-hiker came to the shelter about 20 minutes after us. (A thru-hiker is someone hiking the whole thing at once). He made the 24 miles in one day and had hiked 30 miles the day before. Well, he just had to deflate my ego some didn't he? He is supposed to be at the finish on the 8th. Hopefully he makes it, but he looked determined. 
On Monday, we hiked through the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Very weird, since we had probably seen 5 people since Saturday. It looked like a great place though.
There was a tremendous amount of storm damage after the storms from the previous week. At times, it was tough to get around the downed trees, but I was just grateful that we weren't out there in a storm like that.
We rolled into camp late on Monday also, well I did since I was dragging butt. To our surprise, we found the North Greenville University Outdoor Leadership group there already. They had camp prepped thoroughly and the fire felt great. This program teaches first responders and such things. It was fun sitting around hearing about their program and things they had done. 
Another shelter right on the trail. 
So the toll? I was banged up this time more than ever. Blisters, bruises and lost toe nails. But even with all the damage, I can say I really enjoyed being out there with two great friends and feeling like I was accomplishing something. 
My 'damage' wasn't as severe as Cary's when he hit a deer on the way home. He was fine, and it can all be fixed. Always something I guess. 
Next year, the Smokies. I think we have now completed about 170 miles of the AT. 2,000 miles to go.
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