Appalachian Trail (day 28) - Jenkins Shelter to Dismal Falls / mile 613
"I know it's a bit hard to believe, but I almost got peed on by the bear in the Smokey's" Paint Stick Day of the firsts, very exciting (as far as hiking goes of course.) First priority of today was to get to Brushy Mountain Outpost which served burgers and fries until 2 PM Monday to Friday (today was Friday 3rd of May, 2025) Considering it was 11 miles away it was very doable but I decided to be there as soon as possible not only to beat the crowds and/or satisfy my ever growing "hiker hunger" but primarily: "just in case", and boy oh boy, have my spider senses did not fail me this time! I've started walking at 6 AM and reached the Outpost at 10:30 AM after a fairly easy section of the trail. I've ordered a gigantic Brushy Mountain Burger (containing a pavement slab of belloni), fries and a black coffee. I have not managed to finish the burger and so I've packed it for dinner. Right about that time th...