Date: 2011-03-25
From: Day 15 Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Day 16 Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Shit it was cold last night. After going to bed the temperature dropped. By morning it was around 25*. The water bottles and bladder were almost completely frozen, rhododendron leaves were drooping and curled, the ground was hard and my tent was covered with frost. Last night I really learned the value of  having a tent bottle. Needless to say I was in no hurry to get up and get going, but I did, albeit slowly. FYI it's no fun packing up a wet tent and knowing tonight I will be unpacking a wet tent. (too bad, that's life on the trail). Now for today's hike, I left around 10:00, was the last one out of camp and of course I started out with full cold weather clothing. Today's hike started downhill, yippee, but that would be the only yippee of the day.  The first 4 miles were mostly downhill starting at 4729', with a little 600' up in the middle with a total drop of 500' to 4236'. After the first 2-1/2 miles the temperature had risen to 50*, I was getting too warm and with several climbs ahead of me today, I changed out of cold clothing into shorts and a tee. Then it was back up 844' to 5080 in just under 2 miles. Here on  Copper Ridge Bald I met Surge resting on his pad enjoying the fantastic view and in the bright afternoon sun was trying to warm up from lasts night cold. The trail stayed level for about 1-1/2 miles, then down 1180' in only 1.6 miles and that's tough on your knees. Then it's back up 777' in only 1-1/2 miles to the Wesser Bald observation tower. What I have noticed throughout the day, is since the trees have no leaves yet, the bright sun penetrates to the forest floor illuminating a kaleidoscope of colors. What a sight indeed. Then it's down 400' to the shelter for tonight. Total today, 10.6 miles.  I was feeling great so I was going to continue on 6 miles to NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) but  when I called ahead from the Wesser Bald observation tower, they told me there was no rooms available tonight so I decided to stay at this shelter, I stay near shelters for the privy.  This turned out to be a good move.  When I got to the shelter, 4;30, it was total empty and I quickly looked for the best tent site since there were few. I quickly setup camp and went onto the shelter to start my journal.@ 5:30 it started to rain so I thought maybe I will stay in the shelter instead but very quickly the shelter filled up and by 6:00 the shelter was full, so since my tent was already set up I oped for the tent. Weather is always changing, from freezing cold to beautiful warm sunshine to rain all in one day.  Tonight at the shelter are Step&1/2 and Jean, LEGO, just Dave, just Tim, Night Walker. Oh yeah, others at the shelter tonight also saw and spoke to the barefoot hiker, his trail name is Dirt Nap.Several of you have asked me how do I feel? I feel great, shoes fit great and I have no blisters, no back pain, no shoulder pain nothing really hurts. The pack fits perfectly and I am having no problems with the climbs, as long as I take my time, eat and drink plenty of water. The downhills have me going a little slower until my legs get stronger. Food is OK but maybe some rethinking is needed.  I believe all of my planing is really paying off.  As many of you might have heard, I'm home sick and miss my wife.  In our 36 years if marriage we have never been apart this long and I really miss being @home with her tonight. But it is with her love in my heart and her steadfast encouragement that I continue on this amazing journey I have planned & worked so hard to enjoy. Thank you Gerrie, I Love You.Once again it's raining, getting late and cold, so it's off to the privy and then to bed.ps.. typos, misspellings etc. Please remember I am using 1 finger to type this journal on my iPhone and then copy & paste to trailjournals.com when I have Internet access.  If you notice something that needs correcting please let me know so I can correct it .