Newfound Gap to Fontana Dam 9/8 thru 9/ 11

“Walkin-Poser-dude and I are gunna meet at Fontana dam on Sunday afternoon and drive up to Newfound Gap and hike south from there. We will be hiking in to the first shelter from there which is about 4 .5 miles. The rest of the trip is about 15 miles per day.



ANY TAKERSSSSSSSSSSS?”

“WalkinPoser

HAHAHA!!!!!!!!!”

“Have fun guys.
I did part of your route last year.
Clingmans to Spence to Cades Cove.
The climbs out of Sugartree Gap up Brier Knob and Beechnut Gap up Thunderhead were "interesting", straight up, no switchbacks.
Wish I was in the Smokys NOW.”

“Straight up huh. that's like the Whites. We are use to that up North here. It's only you sassy @ssed southerns that use those switchbacks

hehe”

“There's a swithcback in the Smokies? Where?

Keep in mind that the springs at Russel Field and Mollies ridge are very low right now. Be aware of your water situation in that area.

Smokies current info page”

“Interesting?”

“Yea, "interesting", I had to stop and philosophize about my progress up those climbs SEVERAL times.
My nephew hiking with me stated it a little more bluntly.
He said "Brier Knob kicked our butts!".
;)”

“If you didn't roll back down to the bottom and have to start back up, then YOU kicked THE HILL'S BUTT!”

“At least that's my philosophy...”

“I stop and philosophize about my progress quite often on most of my hikes! I philosophize about the "thin air" on those mountaintops too. Ha Ha.”

“Wonderful hike, and you're missing the weekend to boot. Nothing tough. Hey Pete take note of the shelters along the way, I'm curious to know if the Park ppl have upgraded them yet, and to whut extent. And you and WD be sure to post a real nice trip report, aiight? I'm in the purgatory of vicarious living at the moment .... it's wicked it is!”

“Wish you could make it Naked Ape!”

“yeah that would be cool to hike with you soon”

“Be sure to plant a United States flag prior to breaking camp 9/11.

Have fun & be safe.”

“Aw shux guys, me too. Hey Pete, don't forget your britches! hehehe

And summa my kinfold might like to see them panties, so don't forget them either LMAO!”

“Hey hikin' dudes,

I just got back from a North to South AT hike through the Smokies. The water situation South of Newfound Gap is dangerous.

The spring at Silers Bald Shelter is still good, but after that things get scarey. The water at Russell Field Shelter is nothing more than a mud puddle now. Several people couldn't find any water at all at Mollies Ridge this past week. I walked 14m with 30oz of water today ... glad to see Fontana Dam!

Bad bear problem at Silers Bald Shelter. Park wildlife expert spent the night with me waiting on a particular bear to show. It hit another shelter instead that night. It was an exciting week!”

“or is that just how you say a lot of bears?”

“Hey Josh, what's up?

After spending a week in shelters, I can see where people are the problem and not the bears. Too bad people are so messy around them and throw their food into the woods and fire pits. I stayed in some "very clean" shelters last week and only saw a few mice. That's the way it should be!”

“Hey MDS, do you have any pics to post of your trip.”

“Thanks MDSHiker!!”

“Ewker,

I'll put it all on my website in about a week. I keep a journal and take pics of each AT trip.”

“Walkindude. Looks like I will be splitting up here around midnight Saturday. Should be in the area around noon or early afternoon Sunday.”

“Thanks MDS, I will check out your web site in a week.”

“Towndawg will be down here this weekend.

This trip open to TT'ers or private??”

“nothing is private here.....or sacred for that matter. You should know that Prowler”

“I might make this one?? do you need to get individual permits or you guys get a group?”

“If it looks like you'll make it than just let us know. Meet me at Fontana Dam Sunday about Noon (Eastern Time). From there, we'll meet Sirpete and head up to Newfound gap. We'll get the permits at Oconoluftee (or however you say it).”

“Starting Sunday ending Tuesday??

No Friday nor Sat?”

“Sirpete won't be able to make it till Sunday. He's driving from PA.”

“ok, so no ones doing the weekend thing, no biggy I just HAVE to work this monday!”

“Dude. I'll call ya later”

“by the way don't forget to turn your watch an hour ahead when you come across Tenn. to EST”

“Dam eastern timers!”