Date: 2015-04-05
From: Stecoah

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 14.0

This was a day to flip flop. The Iceman left Stecoah and headed to the NOC, Nantahala Outdoor Center, because it looked like it might be a little easier. It was still 14 miles of up one mountain and down the next with some horrible trails that were nothing but rocks, big rocks. (See the photo.) That's what the trail looked like. He saw many hikers going in the opposite direction, north, and few going south. The temperature was cool and there was a strong wind. Even with a fleece, long pants and gloves it was hard to stay warm. There were hikers with dogs, that the Iceman recognized, and all of the dogs carried their own packs. The vista's were magnificent at the tops of each mountain and the Iceman has taken some incredible shots with his iphone. At 4:00pm he reached the NOC and found that a party was getting under way. There was a free spaghetti dinner for all hikers tonight and a band was just tuning up. We decided to have dinner alone, at the restaurant "The Rivers Edge" just across the river from the party site and enjoyed a burger and pizza. Time to head back to the Microtel and pack up AGAIN. We'll be moving tomorrow, Easter, to Fontana Dam Village Resort. This is a rustic resort for hikers and water sports lovers with a lodge and cabins in the woods and a marina a short distance away. Fontana Lake is a large lake and a popular destination for outdoorsman and families especially in the summer. You may be asking yourselves, "What about the Sherpa? What did she do all day?" Well! I can answer that! After dropping the Iceman off at Stecoah a spot on highway NC 143, she drove to Fontana to see if a room was available and check the place out. There was a room and it was $40.00 a night less than the Microtel. It was a no brainer, one was reserved for the next few nights. It was still early,9:30, so she drove back to the hotel to finish putting on makeup for the days adventures. At this age one can never have enough make up on. Off to what looked like the only place of interest in the area, the Stecoah Arts and Crafts Center 15 miles away back down the same twisting, turning, torturous roads with enough turns to make your stomach ache. The Arts and Crafts Center was a small, long building with a gallery filled with crafts by local artists and there was a cafe. My idea was to have lunch and then look around. Upon entering the building I enquired about lunch and was told the cafe is only open on evenings when there's a performance. A woman my age was behind the counter and we began a conversation that lasted more than an hour. She's a transplant from Fort Lauderdale and loves everything about NC, the seasons, the beauty and the quiet. Might as well skip lunch since it's getting close to dinner. My only purchase was a stained glass night light. This was a necessity. If you've ever moved your bedroom furniture around and gotten up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom you'll realize why, after 6 different bedrooms, we have black and blues on our shins, and bumps on our heads.   The Iceman likes to keep a light on during the night just so that doesn't happen and therefore it's difficult to sleep if you're not from Iceland, ergo the night light. Tomorrow is Easter and we wish all of you a Blessed Easter.