Date: 2018-11-28
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Nantahala Outdoors Center
Miles today: 13.4

After a hearty breakfast Lee drove us up to Stecoah Gap again and dropped us off at 7:30 with a temperature of 15 degrees. We hiked south today and there's a good chance we'll see Wildlife again if she hikes in this misery. Aside from snowshoeing in New Hampshire occasionally in these temps this is the longest coldest hike I've had out here. As Lee left us on the side of the trail all I could think about was how nice it would be to sit in my basement with Brian huddled around the wood stove with a glass of wine. I was thinking how crazy I am to be doing this and wondering why is it I can't just stop. the thinking only lasts a minute before reality kicks in and I realize I must move and move quickly all day in order to stay warm enough. and today I started with my wool leggings on over my tights because I knew I would need them. We had to climb right away and I'll admit it was extremely hard for me. it was cold and I just felt like I was gasping for air and I wondered if I would make it I could just kept thinking about turning around and getting out of there. Wildlife hiked up behind me and I let her pass but kept up with her until we reached the summit. We all enjoyed the view at the top of a small bald that was really mostly wooded. If Wildlife hadn't pointed it out we would have walked right by not realizing we were at the peak. The trail was covered in about an inch of snow. Trekking was quiet and beautiful. We stopped at two shelters one for hot chocolate and a snack very quickly and the second one for lunch again very quickly.I was extremely happy to be descending toward the NOC. WE must have been happy also because she took off like a bullet and I couldn't catch her until I reached the bridge at NOC. I walked across and took a few pictures of the river and noted the sign for the Trail of tears but I didn't know what that was. Later WE told me that it was terrible tragedy we're Americans marched Indians and many of them died. I'm going to be reading up on that piece of tragic history. Lee was waiting for us outside the NOC and told WE that her sister Ruth had called and that their mom was in the hospital. while she was on the telephone getting the hospital information I found a fuel canister and an ornament but ironically no warmer mittens than what I had. I think my suspicion is true that this weather is pretty harsh for the area. I hope it passes through soon and ushers in some warmth. I got my passport stamped beforewe left the NOC. We were headed towards the post office so that I could pick up my neck warmer when WE received the tragic news that her mom had actually passed away. She passed away on a flight to see her new great grandchild and she was bringing a cat for her granddaughter. A passenger on the plane thoughtfully tucked a note inside the carrier telling that the cat was named Daisy and who it was intended for. Marjorie was 86 and was very vibrant and led a very independent life. WE was in shock. Somberly we stopped at the post office for my neck warmer, did laundry at the laundromat and ate at Bojangles before heading back to the camper. WE decided that we'd hike 17 miles tomorrow and on Friday they'll drop me in Franklin NC and head home. She will finish her hike next year. I'm very sad for her for the loss of her Mom who she was close to. When I heard them on the phone Thanksgiving day I could tell it was a mother daughter relationship filled with love.