30 April 2006, Sunday ~ 11.5 miles

Started at Fontana Dam, and to be honest, I lost the trail and did a lot of extra stomping around. I have no idea how I missed the blaze to cross the dam, but there it is.

This is a huge shelter, and the hiker zoo chain-link has been removed. The bear cables are a snap to use -- much better than the pole/hoist system they use in Shenandoah National Park. There are six of us here, and the only thru-hiker is Ranger Rick.

I got sleeted on today. Twice. It's now raining and blowing like crazy. There is a hearth in here, and some sectioners from NC built a fire. Someone left a huge tarp here that's covering the entrance. That really helps with the wind, but it kind of sucks not to be able to see out at all.

Bedtime for me.