Date: 2018-03-11
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

When our kiddos were small I used to read them a book called ¢Sweet Surprises¢. That is the first thing that came to mind when we awoke this morning. Even though it was raining, we definitely had not gotten the 1/2 - 3/4 inches of rain during the night that had been forecasted. We got up and packed our backpacks inside the tent and then headed up to the shelter to make some breakfast.  By the time we finished eating, the rain had stopped, so we decided to get the tent down and start hiking. Next Step was relieved to see that the rain fly was the only thing that was really wet. Most of the hikers decided to stay in the shelter for the day because they didn¢t want to hike in the rain?!? Sounds great on paper, but not sure that I could make it to Katahdin before the park closes for the winter if I only hike on the sunny days.  Fortunately for us that lead to sweet surprise #2, as we kept hiking thru the fog, we keep waiting for the downpour that was forecast for today, but it never happened! We hiked the entire way from Siler Bald Shelter to Wayah Bald Shelter without a drop! We stopped off after the first big descent for a stretch break and a snack. Since the weather was still cooperating, we decided that a log would be the perfect place for our worship today. So much to be thankful for!!!! We continued on and hit a 1000¢ ascent followed by a pretty good descent through a mud pit. And for those of you who know me, you know how much I LOVE the mud!!! NOT!!! But that¢s ok, at least the air was dry and the winds were very calm. As we topped the Wayah Bald we were wishing it had been a clear day because we were sure there would be an amazing view. And that lead to sweet surprise #3. By the time I could walk up to the public restroom near the tower, the fog cleared and there was the amazing view!!! It was there, also, that we had seen the most remnants from the fires from 2016 as all the wooden sections of the tower had been replaced. We met Glyph, from Wales, and Switch at the tower and they indicated they were staying at the same shelter as us, which was less than 2 miles from the tower. We were hoping to stay in the shelter since the forecast was calling for more rain tonight and rain/snow in the morning. Since we are heading to the Nanatahala Lodge tomorrow, we would like to get up and get going and not have to pack up our tent. And that lead to sweet surprise # 4.We arrived at the shelter which was brand new and we were the first ones there, so we actually have two spots in the shelter!!! Glyph and Switch have never stayed in a shelter before, so they decided to stay with us, for the same reasons. We got back from filtering water to find Crafty, our other bunk mate for the night. Getting ready to heat up some chili mac with beef and I¢m just going to pretend it tastes like Susie¢s amazing lasagna!!! Only had a few twinges from the knee today. Just enough to remind me that I should keep taking it easy for a few more days!! Feeling very blessed and am looking forward to any more sweet surprises that show up before my head hits the pillow. Hugs!--Which Way  Elevation Data:Ascent ~ 1,810Descent ~ 1,710Grade ¢ 9.4 Weather:Day ¢ 45 degrees / AM Showers, FogNight ¢ 45 degrees / Rain and Snow  P.S. - Spirit Man rolled in...sweet surprise #5Over the Horizon: The NOCAnything worth doing, is better done TOGETHER--Which Way and Next Step!