Rock Gap to Fontana Dam

Ok. Going to give the miles per day break down. Rock Gap to Wayah Bald Shelter 14.8. Wayah Bald to A. Rufus Morgan Shelter 15.5. Rufus Morgan to Nantahala Outdoor Center and a stay in The Cabin In The Woods 1 single mile. Nantahala to Brown Fork Gap Shelter 15.8. Brown Fork to Fontana 11.5 plus a 1.1 mile hike to the Fontana Hilton later today.

So, people we have met so far.... Trav and I are hiking with Let's Party and Bottom's Up,  Fiddlehead (Liz), and Dteamcatcher (Kieran). We have met Sam and Ron (who gave us guava and green tea on top of Silver Bald) Rabbit, John from Alabama, Loon (a four time thru hiker on his fifth attempt this year), Uncle Nasty, Bibs (NC guy who wear Carhartt overalls), Fuel and Eric (two young guys on break from college), Mosey, Mapman and Spark Plug's Auntie, and the Frat Guys. All unique and interesting people to meet.

A sidenote, the Frat Guys and Loon were favorites of mine. Loon was such an inspiration to see him on his fifth thru hike. The Frat Guys are so named because of their demeanor and their propensity to laugh at my stupid jokes. Their names were Burgess, Drew, and Reid. Reid is a thru hiker named "Cliffnote". Burgess and Drew were accompanying him to Fontana Dam for moral support. Because I have a terrible time with names, I called Burgess "City Boy" because he was wearing jeans. Drew I named "Hair" because of his almost, but not quite,  Justin Bieber hair cut. It is a shame they jumped ahead. I gave them so much shit, and they took it with laughs all around. Great guys. I wish the best of luck to everyone, but especially Loon, Sam and Ron, and the Frat Guys.

It has been nice spending time with Party, Fiddlehead, and Dreamcatcher. Good company. We stayed at The Cabin In The Woods near Stecoah Gap. Amazing cabins run by a lovely woman named Donna. Check it out! Cheap prices and an amazing place to stay! We even watched two movies!

The immensity of the trail hit me today. Interesting thoughts during todays hike. Dreamcatcher is losing his mind. Fiddlehead is like a leech, sucking money from me every time we go into town. Party is nowhere to be seen. Ellis has died apparently.  He is sorely missed. Shamwow is all washed up.

In all seriousness, Trav's right shin and ankle is messed up. Bad. I dunno what we are going to do yet. Should be starting the Smokies tomorrow.

As far as the trail is concerned, it has been hard. Long climbs and long descents. It kicked all of our asses.

Time to resupply and head to the shelter. Miss ya'll! Please donate to my cause and keep it real home dawgs.

Cheers!

Two Kings