March 14th and 15th - Days 13 and 14

My hair is getting a bit unruly

Woke up after a nice hostel stay at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), always have to take advantage of a bed when it's available. I was excited to use the new watch all the grandparents gave me for the trail. We decided to push hard to make it to Fontana Dam, NC in 2 days which would consist of a 16 mile day and an 11 mile day. It didn't sound that bad. We were sad to hear that one of our group members we were with for a few nights was taking a zero and waiting for a friends. We said bye to G and went on. The first day was tough because we had a late start and we didn't get to the shelter until about 5:30. I was absolutely exhausted! The second day went by much faster and we got to Fontana Dam before 2:00. The shelter at Fontana Dam is super nice! They call it the "Fontana Hilton" because it sleeps 24 and is right on the lake.  Tomorrow we start the Smokies and are planning a 17 mile day. The terrain is very difficult but I want to push through it and see if my body can handle the miles. We found out that we are loosing another 2 people from the group today. Ross is taking a zero to let blisters heal and Tosh has to go home because of family problems. Ross is fast and will catch up with us soon but Tosh is going to be off for a couple of weeks and hopes to meet up with us in Virginia. The group is down to 4 but we're all still motivated to make it to Katahdin.

Driving to pick up the package that Mama sent me. Some random guy that picked us up while hitch hiking gave Ross the keys to his car so we could drive to Fontana Lodge to get my box. Nice guy but kind of sketch.

Resupply box from Mama and Pop. I'm sure it's full of real good stuff    

the "Fontana Hilton" at first day light