Into the Smokies – Fox’s AT Thru Hike – Day 17

Freshground recommended hitting up Spence Field on the first day. A 17.8 mile day would be my longest day yet. On the other hand, I have to contact Hot Springs. My last resupply at Stecoah Gap was enough food to avoid Standing Bear Farm. After another amazing breakfast, I headed to the Spence Field Shelter.

The climb into the Smokies isn’t bad after North Georgia and exiting the NOC. I saw this little plant (flower?) growing on a rock that I had never seen before. In general there was a lot to see, views and up close.

Does anyone know what this is?

I’ve been thinking a lot about permits. If you have a hiking permit, you will need to stay in a shelter. But if someone has reserved the shelter, you have to make room (and move to a tent if necessary). Politics seems tough. But I can’t think of a better option. Without a hiker permit we would have to reserve shelters, which is a hassle. But people who have more predictable schedules have reserved those spots and it would be unfair to kick them out. Not allowing regular permits during hiker season, making them exclusive to hikers, also seems unfair. So ultimately, I think it’s good to give hikers a special permit that grants flexibility. I think as hikers we may just have the idea that shelters exist for us, but that’s not always the case.

This gave me «Garden Gate» vibes

The Spence Field shelter is not too full tonight.

• Breakfast: pancakes, eggs, potatoes.
• Lunch: oatmeal, rice cakes.
• Dinner: Italian soup
• Snacks: granola, type bar, cecinaLuna coconut bar
• With Today: grizzly, bladerunner, cowboy, j, c
• Days without ramen bomb: 17

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