Fontana Dam, gateway to the Smokey Mountains. I’ve increased my mileage so I should make it through the Smokeys in about 3 days, if the weather cooperates!
Seems I’ve already made a name for myself. People keep going “oh, your chardonnay, we heard about you.” I guess being the only black girl around for miles and pushing 20+ miles gets you noticed and talked about. Also the fact I’ve done the PCT too.
A guy called me fast, ha!! Not even, I’m totally slow crawlin up these hills. I do scrambled down pretty quickly to make up time. But I’m only doing 20+ days because I hike ALL day.
I had a fun time at the NOC, watched some kayaking and had some beers with other hikers. I didn’t want to stay in the bunkhouse (tight budget), so I hiked out all tipsy! Made the climb outta there interesting. By 9pm I still wasn’t at the shelter. So I just camped at the first spot I could find. Turns out I was only like 2 miles away! But I woke to a beautiful sunrise!
Shout out to Eagle! He is 69 and thru hiked the AT in 2012. He is back on the trail section hiking Springer to Hot Springs, NC.
wandering chardonnay 
Too funny. You hiked the same way on the PCT – lagged going up hill and blew in like a storm on the downhill!
I love you and cannot wait to see you again and hear your new stories. Good luck Chardonnay!!!!! Thanks for the postings!