Date: 2010-04-08
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: moderate rain

First to wake up at the Wesser Shelter. Packed up fast and almost forgot my hat! Shew! Slept in rain gear in anticipation of the approaching thunderstorm. I left the shelter just as the sun crested the horizon. The trail was absolutely not downhill! It followed a high ridge line pointing straight toward the ever darkening skyline. Just as I got below the trees, the bottom fell out of the clouds. Hail! 15 minutes of pea sized ice pelted me! It was astonishing how quickly the environment changed. I'd been warned about that, but never actually saw it. Hard driving winds and thunder and lightning!I woke up sore this morning. I was a little down because I'd been experiencing tendinitis in my right leg. It throbbed all night after that 18 mile day. I really disliked my train of thought as I walked through the storm. So, I started whistling my favorite song, "Three Little Birds". Before long I felt better and I was swept up in a wave of euphoria and thankfullness to have such a wonderful opportunity to do this. I'm truly blessed to be in this position and I want to maintain that mind set at all times. I'm so glad to be out here! It's such a privilege. I'm so lucky to be able to do this!Because our guide books weren't very accurate, I felt like it endangered a few of my friends behind me. I began whispering prayers for their safety. There were multiple uphills straight into the storm. I wished my friends behind me safe travels.The way the storm came, it seemed like it was going to be horrible. It wasn't long before it calmed down.When I got to the NOC I went straight to the restaurant for coffee. Daytripper, Snickers, Conan (he looks like Conan O'Brian), Backwards (She walks uphill backwards?!) ate with me. I drank 4 cups of coffee and 4 slices of toast. I dived into the condiments and had jam and butter. Conan and Backwards are a married couple from Jacksonville, Florida.They left and Buzz came in right afterwards. We talked and drank more coffee. He reminds me of Barry Eller. A man I used to work for in heavy equipment repair. We shared rafting stories and then went to the outfitters. There wasn't any computer access so I had to wait to update my journal. I bought denatured alcohol and socks. Matt and McKinley were there. McKinley is an aussie shepard mix. I was so glad to see McKinley. She was soaking wet but I hugged her anyways! Matt was trying not to spend the night there, so he was waiting out the storm under a shelter. I stayed and chatted with him for a while. We talked about whitewater rafting, the Royal Gorge in Colorado, shared scar stories (he'd broken his neck in a car accident) and talked about sky diving. He gave me a snickers bar for staying with McKinley while he ran errands.Fog (Fat Old Guy) showed up! We were glad to see him there. He has sprained his ankle! Really badly! It's swollen and black and blue.Possum appeared out of nowhere from the trail. I couldn't believe he started his section hiking in this storm. John arrived later, he'd already showered and had a bunk house reserved. I gave it up and decided to do the same. I'll be staying at the NOC even though I don't want to! I need to rest my leg and see if this soreness goes away.Moose, from Massachusetts is in my bunk room tonight. He's carrying a snorkel and goggles! Whhaaaat!? He told me, "I'm going to take pictures on the AT like no one has ever seen!" Wow, good luck there buddy! Casual is also in my bunk room. He's a jet fighter mechanic from the military.I finally met Catfish, Logos, Earthling, Scavenger (former Cheif) and Dry Clean. He's a freakin trip...he's wearing all wool clothes like something you'd see in a NY fashion show. He's wearing a suit and hat with a feather. He wants me to change my name to "Mad Scientist". I think I agree. I'll keep Skippy though. It'll be Skippy, the Mad Scientist from now on.I ate leftover bean, beef, and chili powder! Ummm! There was Peanut brittle in the hiker box! I shared my "Lil'Smokies" with Fog and Scavenger. Great day! Just like a family reunion!