Day 17. Sassafras Gap Shelter to Fontana Lodge

What a day.... But first, last night I placed an old tattered plastic tarp at the entrance to the shelter as a crude early warning device if the bear decided to visit during the night. I slept with one eye open and my camera close by but he never came. However, I do believe I found "Mr. Jingles" from the movie The Green Mile. There was one lone mouse in the shelter last night having the time of his life!!! He was running back and forth across the plywood floor of the upper sleeping level. It sounded like he was performing acrobatics in his own little circus... Every now and then he would take a peak at his sleeping guests. He behaved like a perfect gentleman for the entire night. He never attempted to violate my food bag or eat any of my wool clothes. I was happy!!! Before I left the shelter this morning, I left Mr. Jingles a handful of dried blueberries and thanked him aloud for being a good sport!!!!

I awoke to a misty cold morning. The visibility was low due to the fog. After a Pop Tart breakfast in bed, How Bout and I started hiking at 0930. The climb out of the Gap was slow and tough trekking through the slippery snow. Along the trail close to the shelter was numerous piles of fresh bear scat. One pile was still steaming!!! I knew Yogi and Boo Boo were close by. The visibility on the trail was less than 100 feet. I did not want to startle any bears, so I began singing "God Bless America" as loud as I could over and over. That seemed to work because I did not encounter any bears lurking in the thick fog. I'm quite sure they were not impressed with my singing skills... Lol.

As we ascended out of the Gap, the weather became nasty. Freezing rain was blowing the windward side of the mountain hard. I estimate 35 mph. The wind was cold. Between the rain and the sweat from climbing, I was soaked. Not a good position to be in. How Bout and I both battled the trail today in adverse conditions. We made it 6.7 miles to Stecoah Gap NC Hwy 143, where we hitched a ride into the Fontana Lodge for the night. I feel the decision was the right one. I prefer not to die from hypothermia.

Once at the Lodge I had a nice hot shower and had a hot meal. The weather is not looking good for tomorrow. I plan to enter the Smoky Mountain National Park by Thursday. Thursday through Sunday looks good weather wise.

Today I thought long about why I have a hard time sticking with things in my life. I believe I found the answer... Never quit on a hard or bad day, do it on a nice day. It's easy to throw in the towel when things are getting tough. Here on the trail you just cannot do that... It ultimately could cost you your life...

" Unless you're the lead dog, the view will never change"

So far I have hiked 150.7 miles!!!! I will be posting video updates shortly....