Date: 2004-04-17
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Campsite after NOC
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: clear sky

Tonight, another first: I'm camping alone. Emotionally it's tough because everyone else charged ahead for a night on Cheoah Bald at 5062' and another 5.6 miles. Much of my beginning 5.6 miles today was downhill and my knee and lower leg just screamed. Those who camped closer to NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) last night were still there putzing and shopping. I enjoyed a black bean veggie burger and a corn muffin with them and then we all lounged around the area dangling our tired dogs in the river and soaking up some sunrays. Digits and Leslie both purchased new packs, good choices from what I could see. They've tooled on ahead but I forced myself to stop at the 2.6 mile campsite to give my knee a good rest before the Cheoah Bald climb. And thus, I am alone. Robbie stopped long enough to fetch water and, bless him, carted some up for me too. Because of the noon meal, I'm not cooking tonight. Instead I munched some trail mix and hung my bag. That process is still a joke, always takes me a while. Throwing a stick with a rope attached over a branch 15-20' up isn't quite the same as playing catch with a ball and glove!It was very difficult having the gang depart. I'll confess the tears started flowing but once I got Home Sweet Home (my tent) set, I calmed down. Chances are I'll catch up with them in just a couple days provided my knee cooperates. They have another trail name for me: Role Model. That's not how I feel but it's quite a compliment nonetheless. Mr. T thought Tough Bitch would be apropos after I conquered these last 2.6 miles in total pain. However, I think I'll stick with Swan.Back to gear. My tent is from Henry Shires, a Tarptent, Squall, double-size. And again, I don't know the weight or the cost. I did choose the option of having a floor sewn in. It's very lightweight, very spacious and has served me well in both wind and rain. I've experienced NO condensation at all to date. Thanks Henry for a superb product.My sleeping bag is a Big Agnes 40 degree. My luxury item is a full-length Thermarest pad. I am so delighted with the combination of these two items. Prior to this hike, I'd spent most of my backpacking nights with the pad going one direction and my bag and me going the other, never again to meet until morning. My Big Agnes has a sleeve on the bottom into which the Thermarest slides, so we are one complete unit and stay together all night. The bag has no insulation on the bottom, it's useless when laid upon anyway. With the pad tucked into the bag it isn't needed. Thus, the weight of the bag stays light even though it's synthetic PolarGuard 3-D and not down.The sunset from Cheoah Bald is going to be spectacular but mine isn't going to be too cheesy either! Looks as though I've about 30-45 minutes of daylight remaining to write some more thank you's. Camping alone assures an early start in the morning. I don't lollygag in an empty camp. Gosh, I hope this knee is improved by tomorrow. The pain is no fun and is compromising my enjoyment. AHA -- it's 8:30 ... final tally in camp: Swan (me), Rooney Tunes, Goose and Spirit (from Canada) ... all thru-hikers. Glory be - I DO like company!