Entering the Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Bumped into Jim "Utah" at the laundromat and convinced him to start the smokes today. There is a campsite 6 mi into the smokies, which is perfect. It is the only campsite on the AT in the smokies and you HAVE to stay in sheltersand not allowed to tent. The signs are very clear that the day packers have priority over hikers and we have to get out of the shelter if it's full and tent.

Backcountry Permit for the Smokies

Me at Fontana Dam / ENtering GSMNP

Deer (first few miles into Smokies)

Resident bear, next to first campsite in the Smokes, got within a few yards from him