The one and only Fontana Hilton.
April 24, 2013
While I am in Fontana I am staying at the Fontana Hilton! Before you jump to any strange conclusions, let me tell you about this wonderful facility. Fontana Dam is a large TVA project dam generating hydro-electric power. The AT passes right over the top of the dam and begins a long climb into the Smoky Mountains. On the south side, not far from the dam sits the "Hilton". It is a trail shelter built to hold 20 people with two levels. Outside there is a gravel patio with a view of the lake and even some benches to sit on. Up the hill about 200 yards there is a bathroom with a built in shower. Overall, these are deluxe accommodations for the trail.
Tonight there are 17 bodies snuggled into the place; 3 female hikers, 13 males, and one big black dog. It's raining, and cold is settling in around us. People are cooking dinner, swapping stories, sharing food supplies, and preparing for tomorrow. One hiker is carrying a can of salmon to open and eat when he reaches Maine. Others are telling stories from the trail and people they have met. One hiker has boiled a dozen eggs and is passing them around. All of us are ready to launch out in the morning. A black snake has just crawled in out of the rain.
So, Welcome to the Hilton!
While I am in Fontana I am staying at the Fontana Hilton! Before you jump to any strange conclusions, let me tell you about this wonderful facility. Fontana Dam is a large TVA project dam generating hydro-electric power. The AT passes right over the top of the dam and begins a long climb into the Smoky Mountains. On the south side, not far from the dam sits the "Hilton". It is a trail shelter built to hold 20 people with two levels. Outside there is a gravel patio with a view of the lake and even some benches to sit on. Up the hill about 200 yards there is a bathroom with a built in shower. Overall, these are deluxe accommodations for the trail.
Tonight there are 17 bodies snuggled into the place; 3 female hikers, 13 males, and one big black dog. It's raining, and cold is settling in around us. People are cooking dinner, swapping stories, sharing food supplies, and preparing for tomorrow. One hiker is carrying a can of salmon to open and eat when he reaches Maine. Others are telling stories from the trail and people they have met. One hiker has boiled a dozen eggs and is passing them around. All of us are ready to launch out in the morning. A black snake has just crawled in out of the rain.
So, Welcome to the Hilton!
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