Signal strength one bar but Melissa got a call out from the Smokies

None of us expected to hear from her, but Melissa called me to update her food shipment amount for Jordan. We were able to talk for a few minutes with very sketchy service.

They made 10.7 miles today and are staying in Mollies Ridge Shelter 175 NoBo. They are required to stay in shelters while in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If there is room in the shelter and a person is in a tent, they are subject to fines if caught by rangers. Melissa is in bliss at the shelter because it is the first one she has found that has a fireplace built into it. So after night after chilly night, they will sleep toasty warm. Permits are also required to hike through the Smokies.

Y-Knot's wife Melissa, aka Y-Know, is on the trail with them. She will be hiking with them until Dennis leaves the trail. This will be about half way through the Smokies. After that point, the girls are on their own.

Jordan is being trucked to Standing Bear Farm at mile 238.5 NoBo. Melissa will pick him up there. She will have leftover food, so my next food drop is going to be much less. I'll be adjusting the next food drop from 28 cups down to 19. Jordan is doing well with 2 3/4 cups of food on average a day. Melissa misses her buddy so much right now.

Tomorrows goal is Derrick Knob Shelter 186.7 NoBo. The day after they will shoot for Mt. Collins Shelter 200.2 NoBo. That will put them up and over Clingmans Dome.

I've been asked to send out the A.T. Guide that I've been using for reference. Hollywood hasn't found a book that is its equal. I ordered a copy for myself so I can update the mileage totals for you. So for a couple posts, I might not have accurate mileage.

She couldn't talk too long because of battery power and service, but wanted me to thank everyone for the support. Rock on AT soldiers. We will hear from you in four or five days.