Date: 2014-02-28
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I slept ok in the shelter but not great, warm though.We all three got up at the same time, which usually happens in shelters. After chatting we were all trying to get to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, NOC, at the end of the day. I told them about this great burger at restaurant that is a can't miss.Jesi took off and Mark and I started about 20 minutes after her. After about an hour and a half a man walked up to us from the opposite direction waving his hands above his head as if to say "I'm open, hit me". I knew who he was right away from a previous video I saw about the AT. I said you name is Apple right? That took him off guard a bit, but I knew we were heading for some "trail magic". Ahead was a canvas type temporary shelter with a small heating stove in the middle of it. (Picture above) Inside was Cookie and Ticktock. All three are trail angels and they had cookies, coffee, and hot chocolate waiting for us. Jesi was already inside staying warm. Cookie and Ticktock are AT thru-hikers from 2010 and had some cool stories. Apple, does "Trail angeling" all over the country including the Colorado trail which he highly recommended. Come to find out Sunset actually slept in this make shift shelter the night before and most likely stayed very warm. Good ole Sunset, wise man.Jess took off and Mark and I headed out a bit later. I found out very quickly that Mark is a very fast hiker. Within minutes I didn't see him for the rest of the day, I didn't see anyone on the trail really.All I was thinking about for the most part was that burger. I was at the NOC this past December during one of my many trips to Cherokee, NC. I just wanted to check it out and as I was at the Outfitter I ran into a SOBO named Leah Sparktofire. She was about 2 weeks from being done with her thru-hike and I wanted to pick her brain. I offered lunch at the restaurant for the chance to do just that. She had an incredible trip filled with many setbacks, and stories. Some do's and don'ts but mostly just to hike your own hike regardless of what others do. So I do know about this fantastic burger cause I actually had one! Come to find out it was still closed. I ran into Jess and Mark at the bunks and they were disappointed in my oversell about these burgers. Sigh. I need to shut my know-it-all mouth sometimes.I didn't mind the NOC. Mark wasn't too impressed, but this is the way I envisioned my hike. Small mom and pop hostels, legendary B&B's, and places like this which reminds me of where I would be at a summer camp when I was a kid. I powered down some Ramen Noodles in the community kitchen drank a couple of Yuenglings that Mark got earlier at the store. We stood there talking along with "British Bob" who was in the kitchen as well. BB is only here in the states for a few weeks to "test out" the trail. He is probably near 60 in my best estimate, but hiked enough to know he wants to do the whole thing next year. So good luck BB!I did find out that Sunset has left for home to prepare for his Continental Divide Trail conquest starting in April. Was sad I missed him but I will be keeping tabs on his journey. Also found out the 2 kids from Cincinnati that stayed with me at the Blueberry Patch have jumped the trail. Kinda had a feeling that would happen. Oh well.Off to the buck room for a sleep indoors. Hopefully I will sleep well tonight.Song of the day- I Got a Name, -Jim CroceMovie of the day- A League of Their Own