Date: 2013-06-15
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I awoke early with plans of a possible long day. I headed out before the others with the idea of going slow but steady and seeing if I would make the distance. Yesterday was a tough one mentally and physically. I know that I need to be by myself to get back in the groove mentally so that was my plan. The trail was much milder than we thought. I made really good time without too much effort. My mood picked up with the addition of some good music. I made it up to Rocky Bald and took the side trail to see the view. I quickly figured out to leave my pack and scrambled up to slick rock surface. The trail wound around from rocky crag to dense shrubbery. The view at the top was great. Another good look at the wilderness I am in the middle of. I quickly "tumbled" down another mile and a half to find myself in Telico gap. A couple was eating pizza out of what looked like a bakery box. I tried to "yogi" some refreshments but they were not going there. I thought the long uphill club to Wesser Bald was going to be tough but it was gradual enough to handle pretty quickly. I met 3 other day hikers at the base and we talked a bit. Another couple arrived and I thought I wouldClimb up and see the views before they got too cosy at the top. The views were amazing once again. The couple sat on the side politely whole I took some photos but by their comments I could tell they wanted privacy. I clamored down and started off again. I was feeling great and decided to skip the close shelter and go for the far one. I stopped in at Wesser Bald shelter since I smelled campfire smoke. A man was back on the trail after 6 and 1/2 weeks recovery time from a knee injury. He still plans to do his best at thru hiking. I moved on and passed a family of 8 on their way to the shelter. It will be a lively place tonight. After a short time I realized that this downhill 5 miles was not going to be as easy as I thought. Steep up and downs were the order of the day. At many points I had to use all 4 limbs to climb down. There were constantly obstacles to step over or stumble upon. Roots, loose rocks and all kind of overhanging foliage. This section was a challenge. For much of the time the trail tilted away from the mountain as if it wanted hikers to plummet down to injury and/or death. Just about a foot of space was all that was given and even the edge of that was crumbling. I couldn't help but think of the other portions of the trail that were so well maintained and wonder what was up with this section. Then I got to thinking that this is the stuff that makes it a worthy challenge. Tired legs trying to keep me from tumbling off the mountainside as they stumble me toward a campsite long miles away. There are no mile markers so sometimes it seems as if you are on the wrong path but then you finally see a blaze and all is right again. I didn't expect the downed trees a d even the full tree that had to be negotiated. If I wasn't so tired it would have been more fun. I skipped the shelter and set up my tent just down the hill. I ate and cleaned up before anyone else arrived. I was thinking I might have the place to myself for a solo night of camping but that won't happen yet. Tomorrow is a short 1 mile hike in to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. I plan to take a nero day there. I am looking forward to good food and some river exploring.