Date: 2015-04-03
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Bald
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

The hike Thursday 4/2/15 was a 10 miler up from Winding Stair Gap to Wayah Bald a steep climb, so the Iceman took a light pack meaning he left his sleeping bag, blow up mattress, tent, bear spray and other unnecessary items at the base camp, Hampton Inn in Franklin, NC. He took a light lunch, one large chicken breast from KFC, extra crispy, a container of green beans, a container of mashed potatoes and a banana. He made up for the light lunch by having a hearty dinner of salad, rolls and spaghetti with mussels. He asked me the other day why he wasn't losing weight. I wonder if I should tell him??? He estimated that it would take 8 hours to get to the top of Wayah but at noon his Sherpa started to be concerned when she saw, while tracking him on the laptop, that he was almost there. This was of great concern since she had been trying all morning to find someone, preferably a knowledgeable driver who shuttles hikers back and forth from the trail, to pick him up at the top. The thought of driving on that crazy road again just paralyzed her. Well, since the driver wasn't going to be found in time the second best thing was to ask the Iceman to walk back down to the road he crossed 5 miles back and meet him there. That's how frighted the Sherpa was. The Iceman called at 1:09, the plan was discussed and he started walking back down the road. At 1 mile a very generous gentleman picked him up and drove him to the road where the Sherpa was waiting. What a relief to see him hop out of a truck. He relayed his story of the day beginning with his meeting an Iraq war veteran who's trail name is Shrek and was with his girlfriend, Gummy Bear. the two had come upon a paper bag on the trail left by Trail Magic and in the bag was a bottle of bourbon and some candy. Shrek offered a swig of bourbon to the Iceman but his policy is not to have cocktails until after 4PM so he graciously declined the offer but they walked together and had a good conversation. Next he offered some to a local man who was out picking ramps for dinner, they're wild garlic and look like a leek, the local guy accepted and conversation ensued about ramps, etc. At the tower on Wayah Bald there was more Trail Magic. A couple in there 50's were offering beer, soft drinks and candy bars to the hikers and it was deeply appreciated by all, especially the beer, which by the way, the Iceman made an exception to his cocktail policy and enjoyed a nice cold beer. These wonderful people do this out of the goodness of their hearts. We wonder if there will continue to be Trail Magic as we go north. It's always a good time when you're greeted by someone with gifts. The photo is one of the many waterfalls on the hike. Time to more on to a new base camp and that will be in Robbinsville, NC to the west. The trail now goes west for a few days and then turns north again. Friday the hike will take the Iceman to the NOC, Nantahala Outdoor Center, which is 17 miles. It's going to be 80 degrees and sunny. He's done a 17 miler before but it was tough. No matter what, the Sherpa will be waiting with a different room, clean cloths and of course a glass of local wine to sooth his aches and pains. Oh, and now blisters on toes. Time to switch hiking boots.