Date: 2014-05-04
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: clear sky

   When I got back last night, Ben and I hung out in his tent and ate Sour Patch Kids. The blue ones are so good! I think we went to bed after 11. I skipped out on using earplugs to see if the rushing water would be okay and I slept great! I was surprised. We had another slow morning. Josh and Michelle were going white water rafting and I was tempted but passed. We said our goodbyes to Michelle since she'll be leaving in a couple days. Josh is hiking on a bit longer so we'll see him at least.    Ben and I walked back toward the NOC and spotted Pyro, Wonkers, Nap Time, Featherhead, 40 oz., Dan, and Mirror Jack at a picnic table so we hung out there. Pyro bought a growler of Appalachian Trail Extra Pale Ale that he hadn't finished so Ben took care of that. Great beer names from the Nantahala Brewing Company. Most of those guys left earlier to head to the shelter but we felt like hanging around a but and I needed to dry some clothes so we didn't leave until 130. Nap Time had the great idea of hanging out in one of the ENO hammocks and there was a pod of three so me and Ben joined. It was right alongside the river under some trees with the sun shining through. It was such a perfect spot and experience. And I definitely want one of those hammocks but I don't have anywhere to put one! Ben flipped around in his so Nap Time was trying to and it was hilarious. She finally got it though and then I tried and was successful. That was fun and really amusing. I got to talk to Nap Time a lot so I was happy about that because I like her and wanted to become better friends. I found a big bag of trail mix in the hiker box so I put some into a ziploc and was snacking on that in the hammock. I'm so glad we stayed there and just enjoyed the moment instead of rushing to get out onto the trail.    ...Or so I thought. It was so god damn hot out once we got onto the trail. No wind, heavy air, and blazing sun. I was inching along in the beginning even though my legs were fine. Then my legs were killing me but I could breathe better. Then I just felt tired all together. I thought it would take me forever to get to the shelter. When we got halfway, I took my shoes and socks off, ate a bunch of snacks, and relaxed real good. From there, I finally decided to use my iPod. It felt like it was prime time to use it on the trail. I put on some Touch© Amor© and felt so awesome. It made such a huge difference; I couldn't believe it. I was able to focus on the scenery still while listening to the lyrics and music. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to but I was happy I could. The only thing that made me anxious a little was that I kept thinking there'd be a bear nearby that I wouldn't be able to hear. It really helped me focus less on how tough the trail was and boosted my energy to make it. I was seriously flying for the last miles before the shelter. I felt really in tune to everything while listening. One of my favorite Touch© Amor© lines where he says "stop living vicariously and start living for me" came at such a perfect moment where I was on a ridge and could see a couple mountain ranges and I just turned around and put my arms up and soaked it all in, acknowledging that I am truly living for myself right now.    The shelter was pretty busy and full when we got there but I had space to set up inside. I ate a ton ASAP and then everyone sat around the fire and made s'mores with stuff they found in a hiker box at the NOC including a 2lb container of Nutella. I wish I could've taken part but it was still nice hanging out. Pyro was being absurd and dragged a huge branch/tree to use in the fire. He's so ridiculous. But the fire's been going strong! I got to talk to Featherhead more during the s'mores session. She said she's going vegetarian with her mom eventually. She's really cool too and around my age.    I love being around a lot of people or probably rather these specific people. It's always such a great time.