Section 1 Complete!

We have not had voice or text contact with Ward in several days.  We know from his Spot signals that he reached Fontana Dam, NC yesterday, completing the first of 11 trail sections.  The trek from Springer Mountain, GA to Fontana is difficult, rating mostly "6" on the Conservancy's 10-point scale described below.

1=Flat
5=Strenuous ups and downs, only occasional flat sections
10=Use of hands required, footing precarious — not recommended for those with fear of heights and not in good physical condition.

 A few other facts about Ward's accomplishment:

• Miles Hiked to Date - 164.4
• Days on Trail Since Springer Mountain, GA - 15 total (including 2 zeros), 13 hiking days.
• Average Daily Miles - 11.0 Total, 12.6 excluding zero days.
• Section Elevation Range - 1,725 ft low, 5,498 ft high.
• Average Dropout Rate by Fontana - 29%.

The second section generally follows the border of NC and TN, ending north of the TN border in Damascus, VA. Ward will likely enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park today, where he will spend approximately 5 days at high elevation.

End