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North Carolina

Assault on the Smokies

Kevin

by Kevin

Kirby: Attention captain, requesting transmission, over.

Captain: 10-4. Please state intent of transmission, over. Kirby: Requesting permission to execute operation GSMNP, assault on the Smokies, over. Captain: Roger that agent Kirby. Central Command just forwarded a memorandum from the joint chiefs, signed by the commander in chief, approving the execution of operation GSMNP, assault on the Smokies, over. Kirby: 10-4, preparing for execution. Over and out. I had an odd sensation walking over Fontana Dam this morning. After so much hype and excitement over the Smokies, I was about to start the formulation of my own opinion of America's most visited National Park. The climb out of Fontana Dam is not as bad at the maps make on believe. I enjoyed taking the short side trail to the summit of Shuckstack mountain. There was a nice view from the stairs on the tower. Depending on what side of the ridge we were walking on, it was either cold and windy, or warm and delighful. The trees were coated with ice, and the leaves were crunchy due to frost. The trail was quite easy today, it was a nice change of pace. I once again hiked with Tarzan today, I am getting used to hiking with him. We seem to get along well, and we spend our days trading random stories, a nice change of pace. The Smokies require you to sleep at the shelters, and tent only when full. This makes for a logistical nightmare. The shelter has a tarp over the front, and there is a fire going right now. Tomorrow is dependent on how I feel after the first 13 miles, I might go for 17. Operation GSMNP is under way. My assault on the Smokies has begun. Kirby

Ga>ME 2008

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