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Day 17, April 19

Rock Gap to Wayah Bald

Good morning!  We started this day in the hotel room in Franklin, North Carolina, awaiting a shuttle back to the Rock Gap trailhead.  Rocky woke me up at 0530.  I hadn't looked outside until we got to the hotel lobby.  It was raining.  It was raining hard.  Rocky balked at going out, but I insisted.  After all, he did get me out of bed.  

Three hours later, the sun was shining.  It was going to be a good day for hiking.  The shuttle driver picked us up at 10:30.  Before we realized it, the driver had dropped us off three miles farther down the road at the Winding Spiral Staircase trailhead.  The trail is appropriately named with most of our day spent climbing.


The trail was extremely verdant with streams, waterfalls, and lush flora.  



I always enjoy seeing plants that I haven't seen before.







I have to say that whoever named the gaps and side trails had an interesting sense of humor.




Wayah Bald
~120 Miles Total


TRAIL MAGIC:  When we reached Wayah Bald, we ran into some very unexpected trail magic.  The Wise Family-- Magpie (2023 AT thru-hiker), Mama Magpie, and Papa Magpie Leroy--were waiting there with ice-cold drinks, fresh fruit, chips, and an assortment of tasty treats.  My favorite was the half-frozen bottle of Vitamin Water.  Yup, a fruit punch Vitamin Water slushy was a real treat after a long uphill climb.  Thank you very much, Wise Family, for the great conversation and your generosity!!

Wise Family with Titanium & Commando on Right

At the top of Wayah Bald, there is a massive stone lookout tower.  The views were spectacular, and we could see the Smoky Mountains.

Wayah Bald Lookout Tower

Smokies in the Distance




We pitched camp as the sun was going down.  We quickly made and ate dinner.  Rocky particularly liked the pasta we shared.  I hung the bear pinata just as it started to rain.  Rocky and I are snuggly in his portable house, ready for a good night's sleep and a new day on the trail tomorrow.











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