Update: Great Smoky Mountain National Park to the Nantahala Outdoor Center

   I came off the AT yesterday, Aug 30, at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) after descending there from the top of Cheoah Bald Mountain. Given the weather forecast,  it just seemed prudent. So I will not walk Thurs-Fri. God willing I will resume early Sat a.m.  I now am only 137 miles from Springer Mountain in GA.

 

     I was helped greatly by Blaine Anderson, Danny and Dena Dorminey and Thomas Watson in my traverse of the Great Smokey Mountain Park. Guys, please receive my sincere thanks.

 

   

   Blaine picked me up at the Standing Bear Hostel on the north end of the park and carried me to Pigeon Forge where I stayed in the Dorminey's garage apartment. The next day, after she fed me and did my laundry, Dena carried me to the Newfound Gap so that I could hike north back to where Blaine picked me up. Then Thomas and Blaine met me at the same hostel and carried me back to the Dorminey home. Next morning Danny returned me to Newfound and I continued hiking south. They fed me well along the way so I had plenty of energy for that stretch of the AT. Had few good views in the park due to cloud cover. However I did see 3 bears in the park. I saw another one not far from the Fontana Dam bringing the count to 18 bears. 

 

     While in the park I ran into Tree Walker, a 21 year old thru hiker who passed me and Nephew in PA. He will finish the whole trail when he gets to Springer. We stayed in one shelter together so I was happy to hear his stories of how things went for him in NH and ME. 

 

     Walking over the Fontana Dam and arriving at the NOC were big psychological moments for me. I had been looking forward to those land marks for a long time.

 

     I was helped by Brody Holloway and some interns from the Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters (SWO) of Andrews, NC as I hiked between Stecoah Gap and Cheoah Bald Mtn. Brody sent two female interns to bring me food where the AT crosses NC 146 @ Stecoah. They helped me lighten my pack by carrying back to SWO every item I chose to remove. So my climb and descent of Cheoah was so much easier. Thanks Brody, Julia and Jimmy!  BTW, the view from the Cheoah Bald is outstanding!

 

     As I close this update, I ask all readers to remember in prayer our brethren who live in Beaumont, TX(outside Houston).  We partnered with the Calvary Baptist Church of that city for years and count many people there as dear friends.  Those with whom we have been able to communicate are OK but I am sure their lives are going to be different for a long time.

Uncle