Third day 7/9/20

START:   Burningtown Gap     2:22amFINISH: GSNP boundary   6:30pmMiles for day:   43.1 miles     Time elapsed: 16:08     2.7mphTotal miles for first three days: 167.2 miles  55.7 mpd averageOnly second nobo to reach Fontana Dam in three days from SpringerSam Swisher-McClure (19 y.o. record attemptor in 1998 was the only other one)+ 9.2 miles on KarelAnother day of scattered thunderstorms. (Third straight day of wet trail conditions.)Toe blister fine after Mercury drained it last night.Shin splints continue slowing Mercury's pace which makes for longer days.Trail was overgrown on the ridge just before descending to Wesser/NOC resulting in more cautious hiking.Mercury had her first fall (not injured) and banged her head on a low branch.David Horton, a great help the first three days, left in the afternoon for previously planned family responsibilities.No showers/water at Fontana Dam.Into GSNP tomorrow!