I slept well last night in my tent, despite my constant fear that there were possible widowers hanging over my head. I planned a 10 mile hike today, which will get me to NOC in two days.
Bald, bald and balder
It wasn’t long before the AT took me to Siler Bald, or at least close to it. A side trail took hikers uphill to a beautiful view for those willing to climb. I left my backpack and went up, and I was not disappointed. It is the most picturesque viewpoint we have had since we started the AT and the photographs do not do it justice. After enjoying the views, I headed back down to continue my hike.
Today was pretty calm, but there was some long, intense climbing shortly after leaving Wayah Gap. The sun was beating down and I felt very exposed as most of the green tunnel had not yet bloomed. When we finally reached the top of Wayah Bald, I was feeling tired and a little exhausted. But to my surprise, the most wonderful magical trail was waiting for us.
Angels of the trail? Or real angels?
A hiker-turned-trail angel named Rain Man had prepared an entire extension for us. There were hamburgers and hot dogs with all the fixings, fries, cold drinks, fruit, hiking supplies and much more. They even had gluten free bread for the sandwiches. Like I told you, it was a magical trail that couldn’t have come at a better time. We sat near the bald man, eating, talking and drinking our drinks. Relief washed over me at the thought of never having to eat instant mashed potatoes for dinner again.
Back at the shelter
Tonight I will sleep in a shelter for the first time in a week. I enjoy not having to set up my tent, although hearing others snore can be an inconvenience. My feet still hurt and I definitely think I need new shoes. I wish I had been fitted at Outdoor 76 in Franklin, North Carolina, but I’m too far from there now. I hope the NOC has options and I spent the night investigating. We’ll see how it goes!
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:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/john-mulaney-lorne-michaels-andy-samberg-041326-12d0e61fe0ef44348bd8c9a87bb08da9.jpg?w=238&resize=238,178&ssl=1 "John Mulaney recuerda al jefe de ‘SNL’, Lorne Michaels, que lo ayudó a superar la rehabilitación, Andy Samberg dice que es como un padre")
