Poor cell service

I haven't really had much reception at all the last few days and I doubt it will get much better while I am in the Smokies. The only way I've gotten the last two blogs through is leaving my phone on while hiking and it sends when it can get a signal.

This morning I tried to sleep in but was pretty much unsuccessful. I had to wait until 11:15 to go to the post office and check for my mail drop from my mom. Matt, Blues and I went back to the Bistro(where we ate lunch yesterday) and had breakfast, I had orange juice and a cheese and sausage omelette. Then we went back to the room and Blues headed out, Matt was waiting to see how he felt and I for the mail.

My package was there and then I went to the general store to buy some stuff for lunches and snacks.

I'm sure you have noticed that I write on here a lot about food, well its what I'm thinking about 75% of the time I'm hiking.

Matt was feeling better so we grabbed lunch at the gas station/bar and got a shuttle back to the trail. We hiked 1.1 miles to the Fontana Dam shelter AKA "The Hilton" since its a double decker that sleeps 24 and has restrooms and showers close by. Then we went and looked at the Fontana Dam, the largest dam East of the Rockies.

While hiking I met an Asian man who spoke very little english. "Camera, take" he kept saying. I told him I'd take his picture and put my hands out to take his camera but that wasn't what he wanted so her kept repeating "Camera, take". I didn't know what else he wanted so I pulled out my camera and offered it to him thinking maybe he was offering to take my picture. He didn't want that either and became frustrated and kept hiking.

I stopped for a pre dinner snack and to get some fresh water at the Birch Spring Gap. I called my mom since she is trying to help me sell my car and had sent me several emails and text messages. Once I was off the phone I powered off my phone and started to take the battery out as I do out here to prolong the life. The asian man had caught up and wanted to use my phone. As he spoke little english I was worried where he wanted to call. "Atlanta" he said and showed me the number, so I let him use my phone. When he was done, he was very appreciative he kept shaking my hand and giving me a half hug. Then he saw I was trying to put my phone away and he helped me and then gave me my trekking poles and a final handshake/hug.

I ended up hiking 12.4 miles today to get to Mollies Ridge Shelter in the Smokies. They are very particular out here and a permit is required to stay in the park. Camping is only allowed in specific spots or at a shelter. At the shelter there is a person called a "ridge runner" who checks for permits and makes sure that people fill up the shelter and don't camp around it.