Sunday, April 16, 2006: Fontana Dam to Russell Field Shelter...13.5mi

Its Easter...Another lovely day for hiking...were out a bit late but hit the trail by 0930...we have quite a climb ahead as is usual whenever we drop down into a gap from these mountains...Today its a 2700 foot climb... I took a number of pics of the Dam and the surrounding area. Quite a few hikers stayed at the Fontana Dam "Hilton" last night and are starting out today... Even at 0930 Im one of the first on the trail...these younger hikers like to sleep late I guess... When I reach Doe Knob the most amazing view yet...a landscape full of wildflowers, reminds me of the Wizard of Ozz and the flowers... Any way a long day, kinda low mileage I think mostly due to the climb...
Pictures:
1. Fontana Dam trail goes right over it...
2. Entering the Smokies
3. Looking back once I reached Shuckstack
4. ATC Ridge Runner keeping track of all the hikers entering the park and where they are planning to stay...
5. You might have thought it snowed but there all wildflowers for miles throughout the park...Like a white blanket
6. Old style Smokies shelter with the bear cage across the front...They are removing all the cages and tell us to just not leave food out or feed the bears...Duh what a concept...