Day 15 Fontana, NC to Spence Field Shelter (18.5 miles) 182.9 total miles

Had to get permit to hike through Great Smoky Mtn National Park printed at Lodge. Hassle but completed.

Got a ride to trail from Sally and Mr. Sally (Bill). They were providing trail magic at end of my hike yesterday. I didn’t stay long as wanted to get to shower. Turns out their son hiked trail and Sally enjoys spending a weekend in April doing nice things for hikers. You can tell from her smile and laugh that she truly enjoys it as much as the hikers.

First few miles of day were very easy and down around lake. For you Lake Hopatcong’ers, very similar in terrain as walk from end of Mason St to Rock & Roll’s.

This is the “Fontana Hilton”. One of the nicest shelters on trail. Running water and showers!

View from start of Dam. I’ll be crossing tall peak in distance. 10:30 now. Wonder what time will be there.

This is the backside of dam. Feeds the river that goes through Netenhala Gorge and NOC. Long way down.

Lake side of dam.

Rhododendrons getting close to flowering. Have buds on them now. Lots of them all the way from GA. Wild and, in some cases, quite large!

Will cross Clingman’s Dome, highest point on AT late today or tomorrow AM.