Date: 2008-04-16
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

With only a 5 mile walk this became a "Nero" day.Ever going downward and reaching the bottom of the mountain, the NOC was coming into view. It looked like it was going to be a good time. I said it before and I will say it again. "You just never know when you wake up in the morning, what the day is going to bring?"I went into the office/store and registered to get a bunk. Next I proceded across the road and over a foot bridge above the river. I am beginning to see why this is such a hot spot. The cabins were situated up on the opposite hill, mine was the farthest away. The 3 of us rejoined at the little restaurant over looking the river. On Freckles' recommendation, I tried a "Blue Moon" for the first time. It has now become one of my favorite beers. Although normally I'm not a regular beer drinker.Afterward, I stood in the river watching wet-suit clad students learning the fundamentals of kayaking. A lot more thorough than the self taught "just jump in and go for it" training I had years earlier. The numbingly cold water was a welcome comfort to my aching knee. I stayed in past the point when I couldn't feel my legs or feet anymore.Then I would stumble out and sit on a warm rock in the sun. After a while, I would go back in.Enjoying a great day and rest, the 3 of us returned to the restaurant for Blackberry cobbler & coffee. Yes, I am still hiking the AT. It's all good.Later Joe & Pat arrived. I mean Springloaded and Topshelf.Each of them were sporting their own version of a mohawk haircut. In addition, Topshelf was hiking in a robe. Yes a robe. And yes it is hilarious.As an honorary Uncle he never had,(as Topshelf put it), I sure am proud of that boy. It just goes with the style & flair, just like Jameson Scotch Whiskey and Cuban cigars that makes Topshelf who he is. I ran into a few other people I had once met but haven't seen for awhile.One was "Patience." He couldn't hear or speak. Conversing with him consisted of whipping out a pen & paper which he always carried. I learned to sign the alphabet years ago, so we were able skip alot of writing and communicate anyway.As I recall he was from Florida, traveling with minimal gear and spent alot of time freezing his tail off. As I became familiar with him, I would joke and tell him he was chatty. I asked him if he was a writer and did it for a living?I guess only we thought it was funny? He is a good dude. I would like to get to know him better.I met a couple of new people today as well. Mudslide & Col.Chaco. It's funny how much easier it is to remember people by their "trail names" as opposed to names like Bill, John or Tom? The magic of this trail never ceases to entertain me. Later, as I was walking around, a car pulled up. One of the occupants said she was looking for someone and could I possibly help her? As it turned out, these were friends of Freckles coming to surprise her. They were surprised that I actually could help and took them right to her. That's when I first met Kim & Mary along with ChiChi & Tracy. ChiChi had brought her very cute daughters Sarah & Jamie along as well.The lower elevation brought warmer temperatures. It was nice being able to enjoy the night. Several of us sat on a deck drinking wine. Springloaded and I stayed up talking after the others had left. Joe is an interesting guy. He has a good handle on what is important in life and conducts himself accordingly.I am proud to be his friend and glad that he is mine.I finally call it a night. Occupying the other 3 bunks in my tiny room are 2 guys from New York- Pete and Joe, along with a guy from Wyoming who's trail name is "Powder River".It has been a full day. I maximized the use of my down time to it's fullest.Good thing, as tomorrow will bring a 5 hour climb out of the NOC. Life is good, but you do have to work for it. Having said that, there is no place I'd rather be than right here, right now. I would like to come back some time and kayak this river. I will make a mental note.