When we got going today, we saw evidence of a forest fire that had happened over the summer. I wasn’t aware of any fires other than the one that almost held us up around McAfee Knob. It was another uncrowned day with us seeing only 6 people total and 2 of those were just day hikers. Cats Up and Mustard stopped by for a short walk on their way back to Florida. Cats Up is on the ATC board and had just been to a meeting. She gave us some candy as she likes to give out magic if she’s able.
We did stop at Brushy Mountain Outfitters for lunch. I shouldn’t be hungry with the trail being so easy, but I had a burger, fries, shake, Coke, pie, and M&Ms—I guess my body is preparing to be mothballed for winter.
Bunny did finally pass the 600 mile mark today. 8 months and 6 days to make 600 miles. We are slow. Shortly after the 600 mile mark, we endeavored to find a camping spot as we didn’t have another 4 miles left in us. We found a relatively level spot under some Rhododendrons next to what used to be a creek but was now just a puddle.
EFG
Today’s List
12 Best shelters on trail:
12)—Plum Orchard Shelter, GA…built with the help of the Army Corps of Enhineers, this is a multi-level shelter and the nicest shelter in the state of Georgia. It feels more like a fun house than a mouse house.
11)—RPH Shelter, NY…Ralph’s Peak Hikers. Normally, when the NPS acquires property, they tear down all man made structures on it. Ralph campaigned to keep the house and convert it to a trail shelter. The group remodeled the house and still maintain it, this could be why they left one of their volunteers legs dangling from the ceiling.
10)—Overmountain Shelter, VA…an old barn converted to a shelter that sleeps almost 30. This is the biggest shelter on the trail. If you sleep on the platforms on the lower level, expect an amazing sunrise to wake you up.
9)—Fontana Dam Hilton, NC…running water, showers, and electricity just a short walk up the road. Nestled on a rise over Fontana Lake, this is the gateway to the Smokies. Stay with 2 dozen of your closest friends in this double decker shelter. If you’re drinking, choose a spot on the lower level as the steps are tricky. No Worries found out the hard way.
8)—Whiskey Hollow, VA…This is a new prototype two story shelter with covered porch/cooking area. Definitely better than its brother shelter, Dick’s Dome which has a copperhead infestation. A few people decided to zero here because it was so nice. As with nearly every helper, there are mice. We didn’t discover this until one dropped on a woman’s head and her screams woke us up.
7)—501 Shelter, PA…a fully enclosed shelter that sleeps 12. There’s running water at the caretakers house. Inside is a huge skylight. Even though it’s enclosed, mini-bears and mice abound so hang your pack.
6)—Chestnut Knob Shelter, VA…A fully enclosed stone shelter located just above Burke’s Garden (a.k.a. God’s Thumbprint). As an extra measure, there is hurricane strapping over the whole building. I thought this was overkill until 2 in the morning when the winds started blowing.
5)—Partnership Shelter, VA…Just outside of Marion, VA, this two story shelter with solar shower is just off the highway. There is a phone located at the adjacent park office with menus for the pizzas you can have delivered. What more do you need in the back country.
4)—Bryant Ridge Shelter, VA…This shelter has the floor plan of a small house. It is multi-level with a wrap around deck. After stopping for burgers and shakes at the campground just off trail, it’s the perfect hiking distance to just walk the swollen belly off before going to bed early.
3)—The Lookout, VT…A private cabin with stunning views of the Whites just up trail. There is a platform on top of the two story cabin with a very steeply pitched roof that has a very imposing ladder to climb. The only drawbacks are no water and no privy.
2)—Tumbling Run Shelters, PA…A tie for the two maintainers of the shelters that live just off trail. This is a twin shelter with segregated quarters for snorers. There’s also a very clean privy with toilet paper provided.
2)—Quarry Gap Shelters, PA…The competitor for Tumbling Run. Also a twin shelter. I have to admit, slightly nicer with a swing and rerouted stream running in front of the shelter. When a rabbit hopped by, Bunny chose this as her favorite shelter on the trail.
1)—Jim and Molly Denton Shelter, VA…A horseshoe pit to help pass the down time. Also, there is a separate covered picnic area, a stream-fed solar power shower, a extremely clean privy, and a huge deck in front of the shelter with a bench. After months on the trail, any seats are luxurious.