Date: 2003-04-01
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Grove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

I was awake at 6am and quietly gathered my gear so I didn't awaken my bunkmate. I headed to the Community Room to pack up and get ready for the day.I paid special attention to my feet because I had gotten several blisters on the way into NOC.At 8am I went down to the restaurant for a light breakfast of granola and coffee; I had a big hike ahead of me starting with an 8 mile uphill and didn't want to be bogged down with a huge breakfast. I was hoping to see Slow Walker and hear how his knees were doing. I sat with Papa Tom and was soon joined by Slow Walker and Justin. Unfortunately, Slow Walker is not doing any better and is talking about going home to Chicago and see an orthopedic surgeon. He will stay at NOC for 3 more days and then make his decision. I would hate to see him have to get off the trail, but he said that one way or another, he will finish, just maybe not this year.Larry, the new President of NOC joined us for the last half of breakfast to ask us how NOC could better care for their hiker guests.Number one on our list was an ATM machine, next was cheese and beef sticks in the cooler (everyone was disappointed in the ability to do short term re-supply at the outfitters, and third: give out the towels with the reservation, don't make us walk all the way to the bunkhouse and only to find out that towels are available back at the office! Ditto with laundry detergent.My next stop was at the outfitter to weigh my pack; 24.5 lbs. with 3 1/2 days of food and 1.5 ltr. of water. Not bad, so I went ahead and bought the big roll of climbing tape and will use it for my feet. I also bought an envelope and two stamps to finally send the digital camera disk (that I have been protecting with my life) to Nathan. I should have new pictures on the website by next week.Finally, at 9:40 I was able to hike out of NOC and start up the hill that I had not looked forward to for the last 2 days. I didn't fret about it, just didn't look forward to it.Most of the day was easier than I had expected. There were several difficult ups during the day, but for the most part it was nicely graded and the views made it especially enjoyable. I stopped for a lunch of ham and crackers at 1pm. Off came the boots and several adjustments to my taping job were done and my feet aired in the sun while I ate. Several snacks were eaten during the day while I walked.I had entered an elevation where there was still snow on the trail and couldn't pass up the chance to make a snowman for the hikers that would follow behind me. He had stick arms and eyes, mouth and buttons made of little pieces of sticks. On his back was a backpack fashioned out of a large piece of stick. I put him in the middle of the trail and moved on.The highpoint of the afternoon came when I reached Cheoah Bald and was treated to the spectacular views that the area has to offer. I stopped to take several pictures and then headed on to a campsite that I knew was up ahead, I just didn't know how far up ahead. Two and a half miles later, around 5pm, I reached my destination for the night. The One and Digger had arrived earlier in the day, set up camp, and eaten. They kept me company while I cooked Mountain House bacon and eggs to which I added the leftover ham from lunch. We hung a bear line and used my carabiner to hang all 3 bags together.Digger realized that he had left his water filter at the last shelter and hopes that someone will bring it forward to him. I offered the use of my Aqua Mira and in the morning he'll gather and treat enough for the day before he heads out. They plan to go all the way to Fontana tomorrow, I plan to get to the next shelter.Lights out at 8pm. The wind is howling through the gap, but I'll be comfortable for the night in my sleeping bag and tent.