(Day.011)---April 19, 2005

�@In the early morning, went to Post Office to pick up resupply box mailed at Hiawassee, but it hasn't arrived there yet. Finally it was delivered near noon.

�@Stopped at the Fontana Dam Visitor Center to obtain a backcountry permit for camping in the National park, just before crossing Fontana Dam. Entering Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Ascending to the main ridge, I met Jim, a "ridgerunner". He was on the way to Birch Spring Campsite, where a bear took hiker's foods last night. He would catch the bear, he said. Arrived at Russell Field Shelter just before 8 p.m. Stayed inside a shelter for the first time.

Day.010+++Day.012



happy trail