Date: 3/26/04
Starting Location: Fontana Dam Shelter
Destination: Russell Field Shelter
Miles: 13.8
Total Miles: 185.4
The Smokies are here!! First day entering the park after snapping some photos down by Fontana Dam. After waiting so long to visit the park, I had this feeling we might cross into the park, leave behind a trail of dry earth and no foliage, and enter a springtime-y paradise of green and blooming trees and wildflowers. But, it was not to be--apparently crossing a single road doesn't spontaneously change seasons. Who knew.
Warm today with temps in the 70s and more bright sunshine (yes Mom, I do have sunscreen now)--hope it continues to hold out. Stone shelter here with bear caging in the front, and an open field where I'm sure bears and deer must forage in the spring/summer. Lots of people here tonight with several day-hikers also due to the great weather at the start of the weekend: Professor T, Semicolon, Slick, Gaia & Sasquatch, and Mo.
Feet were great today--almost no plantar fasciitis pain. Hopefully, it's on the up and up with my nightly therapy. Starting to get a couple of baby blisters now though--think my feet have swollen from all the walking. Trail shoes in Hot Springs, here I come!
