The Smokies

Ben finally arrived at Fontana Dam, the gateway to the Smokies, this Wednesday.  He stayed at a nice shelter overlooking the beautiful Fontana Lake called the Fontana Hilton.  He received the new sleeping bag, a Marmot Sawtooth, that my mom shipped him at the Fontana Village Post Office.  It is rated at 15+F º and should keep him substantially warmer than his other bag which was rated at 30+ F º.  A couple of days before arriving at Fontana Dam, Ben stayed at a hostel at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.  While there, he hitchhiked into Bryson City with a few friends he met out on the trail to get some necessary supplies (i.e.  Fat Tire, Dogfish Head, and food).  While he was at the hostel, he was also able to bathe for the first time on his trek.  He said he was having a great time.  Yesterday, he was to attempt a 22 mile day, the longest thus far, but I haven't heard if he made it.  Next time I speak with him, I'll try to remember to get his SPOT user info so that the blog might be automatically updated with his check-ins!