Day 12 - Wesser Bald Shelter

Mileage 17.3 (129.9 total)

So today was interesting, as all days out here generally are. Needless to say, the mileage definitely contributed to the flavor of the day. 17+ miles on this terrain is no joke. After leaving Siler Bald (and a beautiful sunrise). I headed to Wayah Bald and lunch. The whole idea was to cover as much ground as possible so as to minimized the next mornin's steep descent to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). From where we are tonight, we'll basically walk 4.9 miles and descend 3500 feet to get to the river, where the Center caters to paddlers and day trippers and stashes the riff raff thru hikers in the bunkhouse in the back. I guess they felt sorry for us since the damn trail goes right over their bridge. Anyway, I just realized that if my package is down at the NOC, then this will be the last day with a wet ass from my partially damaged Camelbak.

Today I hiked with Bo, DirtyJers, Lake, Red & Dies, Wavepool, Marty, and Party Animal bringing up the rear. Its nice to know that you can spend most of the day alone, yet know that there's someone 15 minutes in front and behind you.

Yak