I slept well last night, another very windy night, but not too cold. Today we started earlier and began the hike shortly after 7:00 a.m. We had a half-mile descent to start the day before a mile-and-a-half climb to the next shelter, where we took advantage of a good water source and made a breakfast. Today there were going to be three decent sized climbs along with several serious descents heading towards the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center). Our plan was to stop at the last shelter before NOC and then go there tomorrow, since they were doing a hiking day tomorrow and we wanted to enjoy the festivities.
Rocky Bald and trail magic
Our next climb took us toward the top of Rocky Bald, and with a brief blue glow we reached the top. I was able to take in some pretty expansive views from the top, enjoyed some snacks, and chatted with some hikers in the section.
After that we had a very long descent to Tellico Gap. As we approached the gap we commented that there was a parking lot there and how great it would be if there was a magical trail. Well sure enough, when we pulled into the parking lot we saw a white folding table and a cooler. We gave a collective cheer and ran to the parking lot. Fission, a hiker from last year, was putting together some magical trails yesterday and today. It had a variety of fresh fruits, cookies, pastries, Gatorade and sodas. Along with some chairs to sit on. I’m slowly becoming convinced that chairs are a completely underrated everyday item.
wesser soon
After fueling up, we were greeted by a nice long 1.5 mile climb to the top of Wesser Bald where there is a fire tower at the top. Fortunately, the climb included switchbacks that made the climb not too strenuous. Upon reaching the top, I took a nice break there to enjoy the view and eat different items I had in my bag.
The rest of the day was almost purely downhill with several major descents. Including a couple of miles of walking along the ridge, which made for a pleasant afternoon. Fortunately, all the main climbs were done in the morning, because the afternoon turned quite warm and sunny, reaching 80 degrees.
Beer run?
Upon arriving at the shelter, some members of our group decided to settle in the shelter, including me. A couple of our group decided to push on to the NOC, about a mile away, and stay there for the night. When they arrived at the NOC they informed us that the general store there was open until 7:00 pm and they had beer. Me and another guy in a group thought it would be a good idea to run over there, grab some beer, and bring it to everyone at the shelter. So we checked with people to see who would be interested in some beers and headed up the 0.9 mile trail to the NOC. I grabbed a couple cases of beer, some soda, and chocolate milk for some people who weren’t interested in beer and took it all back up. During this turn of events, I suggested that the other guy’s trail name should be «Beer Run,» which he immediately agreed to! We arrived at the shelter with great excitement, since it had been a hot day and the beer was still cold.
Trail names
After everyone had a beer in hand, I took the opportunity to baptize him with his new trail name, through a ceremony reminiscent of a knighthood, but which ended with beer spilled on his head. And use a beer instead of a sword. Kunjungi btrs. Which was fun for everyone, especially Beer Run and me!
But we weren’t done with the naming ceremonies yet! Another member of our group also accepted the trail name «Big Stick» that afternoon. Aptly named for the wooden cane he walked with and which he created himself. Maybe I also hinted that if I took the name, I’d consider letting him hit me over the head with his wooden staff… Anyway, I soon tricked him into his new trail name by using his wooden staff instead of a sword and making his new trail name, «Big Stick,» official. An eventful end to another day of hiking the AT!
Statistics for the 12th:
12.8 miles + 1.8 beer bonus miles
2,513′ ascent, 4,865′ descent
Rufus Morgan Shelter Stealth Site
4 DSLC (Days since last cathole)…
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