Appalachian Trail: Day 21
Disclaimer: This post is NOT sponsored. All the gear mentioned in this post was purchased by me at retail prices. I have no affiliations with any of the companies or brands mentioned.
While I woke up in time for the sunrise, I had some time and made coffee while waiting for it. The problem was by the time the coffee was ready, the sun had already risen to just over the mountain tops, so didn't get the video I wanted, but still got an amazing photo.
Crossed paths with Squirrel a few miles into the day and hiked with him for a couple. Had some great conversation while hiking the couple miles to Stecoah Gap. When we got to Stecoah Gap, we found Detail waiting. They got a shuttle off into town. There was road construction at Stecoah Gap, so the water source there wasn't available. Also, it was weird to see road construction signs in the woods.
Shortly after I crossed the road, the famous Jacob's Ladder started. That is about a 700 ft climb in the span of about half a mile. That is some steep climbing. Almost as bad as the whole day of climbing yesterday was.
I continued on till I reached the Brown Fork Gap Shelter where I crossed paths with Rock Dancer heading out. I took a nice break and got some much needed water. While I was resting, Small Steps, I think her name is showed up. Shortly after that Kevin with Mr Perfect showed up followed by the couple of Brits. They all decided to stay at the shelter, but I decided to push on to Cody Gap.
I met up at with Rock Dancer again in the way to Cody Gap and we ended up hiking together for the approximately 2.5 miles to the gap.
Pushing to Cody Gap gives me a 10 mile hike into Fontana Dam tomorrow. I'm definitely eating at the restaurant and resupplying in Fontana Village. I am currently undecided if I'm going to stay in the lodge overnight or stay in the shelter dubbed the Fontana Hilton since it is supposed to have showers and power. Either way, I should be crossing the dam and making the climb into the Smokeys in a couple days.