3/25 Into the Smoke..

ies.
11.3 miles hiked today, 173.9 miles N
Mollies Shelter

Today was a short day because I got a late start. McGyver and I spent the extra time updating our journals which was nice as I was falling way behind. I also have been suffering from a pretty bad case of acne due to the extra sweating and the reduced showering so I picked up some rubbing alcohol to wipe my face with after hiking for a day.

We hit the dam about 12 and started the 2 miles road walk to the woods. Walking along the dam was neat probably mainly because I am a geek for engineering marvels. It is the largest concret dam on the east coast. Along the way McGyver realized that he has forgotten to fill out a permit for the Smokies which is located at a road crossing about 3 miles back. Just before entering the woods there was a police car and we inquired about the consequences of going permitless. In the end McGyver decided not to risk it but lucky he hitched a ride back with the cop. I continued up into the woods for a hot and sweaty climb until I got to Shuckstack Mnt. where there was a rather scary looking firetower. I went up and was treated to the sight of Fontana from way above. The tower itself was old and rusty with weathered and cracked planks for steps. Despite my doubts it held just fine. I went back down to the where the side trail to the tower rejoined the AT I realized I had left my glasses up !

at the top of the tower while taking a self portrait. I turned around and went back to get them. Then when I made it back to the AT I decided to leave a note scratched in the dirt to McGyver to tell him about the great view on the tower side trail and then headed on. Almost immediately I caught up with McGyver who was taking care of something just around a bend. I told him about the tower and then ate lunch while he took in sights.

After that we hiked past a campground where a ATC ridge runner was taking a count of thru hikers. We found out that Silver(named for her hair) was there and decided to see her but she was passed out cold so we left a message a moved on. We rolled into the shelter and started setting up and a chill settled into the air. I think it is going to be cold night though not below freezing. Oh one other thing, the shelter is infested with mice. I saw three dashing to crevices when I went in to grab something from a stuff sack. One was even on my bag. I hope they don't bug me too much!