| April 11, 2005 |
| |
| Cold Springs to Wesser Bald
Shelter - 128 miles from Springer Mt. |
 Stayed at Wesser Bald Shelter
with Mayfly, Sunflower, Tortaga (turtle), Eric and Shannon. We
had a very lively conversation. The most fun I've had at any
Shelter so far. (more later) |
| |
| April 12, 2005 |
| |
| Wesser Bald Shelter to
Nantahala Out Door Center |
| Left the shelter at 8:45
a.m. I walked alone most of the day. The trail was
mostly on ridge tops. Started raining. The views were
great vast. The mountains were hazy in the distance and the
day was overcast. The rock outcrops were difficult to descend
since they were muddy. I saw laurel that was about to bloom,
dogwoods and service trees. As I descended more wildflowers
were in bloom. |
| I came to this steep mud
area that was very slick. I stepped on a rhododendron Sapling
which supported my weight. The next step was to the side down
in the mud. Well that's all it took. One step and I went
tumbling down the hillside backpack, poles and all. I landed
about 6 - 8 feet below the trail on some cut off rhododendron
branches on my back spread eagle style! It took me several
minutes to get myself turned around and headed back up hill. I
crawled on my hands and knees to a log where I was able to get
myself pulled back onto the trail. Simon stood at the top and
whined. He knew something was wrong, but he couldn't figure
out what. From that point on I forgot about my sore ankle.
This situation would have made an excellent hiking cartoon. |
| Stopped at Rufus Morgan
Shelter for lunch and to get out of the rain. I tried to wash
the mud off my legs to see how badly I scratched my legs when I
fell, and to look a little more presentable when arriving at N.O.C. |
| Got to N.O.C. about 2:00
P.M. where I immediately got a room for Si and I. Went to the
Rivers Edge Restaurant for a great hamburger and black bean soup.
Simon had a hamburger too. Tomorrow I'm going to slack pack
13.6 miles back to N.O.C My mail drop box from Franklin won't
be in until tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully I can hitch a
ride the next morning back to Trailhead. |
| |
|
Swing'n Jane and
Simon the Wonder Dog |
|
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