Day 16: Up Into The Smokies

I loaded up with 4 liters of water, crossed the dam and trudged all day up into the Smokies.  I really felt the extra 8.8 lbs of water, along with a full 7 days food.  Made it to Russell Field Shelter, about a 14.8 mile day.   6 people at the shelter, mostly a nice family group but they had wine and radios and made noise till late.   Within the Great Smokey Mountains Park you must stay at the shelters along the trail, you can’t just camp anywhere.   Folks get reservations for the shelters.  Thru-hikers are allowed to camp near the shelter if the shelter is full.