Another morning in the Hilton. Charged the powerbank fully up in the restroom, cooked breakfast with gas from the hiker box. That’s the life. Decided to push my luck and try to enter the Smokies with the missing piece of skin on my foot

Short walk over to Fontana Dam, crossed the dam, entered the Smokies. Put our permits in the box, then started the long ascent to the ridge. Trails in the park are significantly better than the AT thus far. Better grading, less roots, less stones. Much more wind though.

Did a short stint further up to Shuckstack Lookout Tower, from where there were stunning views over the Smokies and Fontana Lake. Just for the low price of a terrifying climb up/down in really strong wind.

Felt good after the Zero the day before, and did 15 miles to Russell Field Trail Shelter. Now that’s a shelter! Has an in-shelter fireplace, skylights, and is made from stone. Had to hang my food for the first time, because the Smokies don’t allow for bear canisters.

Foot feels quite good, considering the mileage and elevation profile today. Next few days are forecasted to be really cold, maybe even snow. Let’s see how this goes.