Date: 2005-03-14
From: Campsite

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

AgendasWe made it through the violent thunderstorms and woke up to a cool but clear morning. There was some dampness inside the tent and on the sleeping bags, but nothing too bad, especially given the night's conditions. The first four miles from our camping spot to Burning Town Gap were well graded and the sun was really warming up the morning. We'd been hearing about some ultra-trail magic at the Gap. We weren't really expecting it to still be there though since we'd been hearing about it for so many days. So when we came down into the gap and saw the huge red and white geodesic dome tent thing, we were somewhat flabergasted. Things were pretty quiet, and as we approached the structure we noticed a note indicating that the trail angel was away but to come in, warm up and have a snack. Now we've had trail magic usually in the form of sodas in a stream or cookies in a bucket. But this was really something else. The geodesic was decked out with a full portable kitchen including stove and propane oven and a propane space heater. There was a cooler full of yummy treats including sodas and hot dsogs. One of my personal dirty little secrets is that I just love hot dogs. So, as you can imagine, this was extremely exciting for me. Though disapointed not to meet this generous trail angel, we did cook up some dogs and indulge in a nice long break in the warm dome.That gave us plenty of energy to get to Cold Spring Shelter where we took another break. The shelter is one remaining from the CCC efforts and dates back to the 1930's. Then up and down to Teleco Gap. That 1500 ft descent is a BEAR and my feet were hurting so badly by the time we reached Teleco. Fortunately a longer break in the sun gave them the time they needed to recover for the climb to Wesser Bald. I expected and remembered this climb being a tough one, but it wasn't too bad. Unfortunately I have been fighting a potential migraine the past three days, and about 1/4 of the way up my head started pounding. I stopped and took some vitamin I and had a good drink then pushed up the mountain. What a glorious day for Wesser! It was clear for miles, and we had a clear view of Clingman's Dome and the Smokies. Could also see Cheoah Bald quite well. Despite a light cool breeze, the sun shone bright and warm and I laid basking in it with a contented smile for a good 15 minutes. We took the opportunity to dry the tent out while we climbed the fire tower to enjoy better views and snap some pictures. I can not imagine a purer experience of contentedness and joy; of knowing that I was right where I was supposed to be.While walking the last .8 to the shelter, I asked T. if he was thinking that we'd stay in the bunk house at NOC tomorrow. That was when he suggested* that he was thinking we wouldn't stay at NOC at all, but rather do our chores then hike another 4 miles or so out and camp. Now you must keep in mind that not only did this take me completely by surprise, but we are also in the most difficult section of trail between Springer and Virginia. The descent down into NOC is only to be matched in difficulty by the climb out of NOC. T. was pretty much suggesting we do both in one in one day sandwiching a full afternoon of chores. Picture me freaking out. Fortunately we talked through it and when we looked at the miles and campsites realized that it wasn't an option anyway. But it did make for some intense predinner conversation. All is well now though, and the main challenge remaining for this evening is staying warm in this cold and drafty Wesser Bald Shelter. Time to pull my numb and stiff hands into my bag to warm up.Danger* Footnote: Entry originally read "notified me" but was edited in favor of marital bliss :-)