A bright light

Today we did what is called a Nero day (near zero). By the time we got Marks boots and our drop of food for seven days, it was 3:30. As you get into the Smokey National Park, there are rules such as having to camp in or near the shelters. Up till now, we could hike until we wanted to stop. This left us with two choices. Hike one mile to the Fontana Hilton (because of a bathroom with running water nearby). Or hike 7 miles to the next shelter. Here we are at the "Hilton".

We met an 18 year old girl named Slayer. Her father and heard attempted to thru hike last year and had to stop after two weeks. They tried again this year and the father had trouble again only this time, Slayer decided to go it alone. Full of spunk and excitement. She shared with us her new found faith and how God is speaking to her out here. What a joy! We will be adding her to our prayer list. She has her hands full out here.

Tomorrow we will start early, walk over the Dam and begin our climb into the Smokeys. Hoping to do 14 miles but all the extra food is weighing down our packs. We will see.

Good Night

Julie