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Day 19, April 21
Wesser Bald to NOC

I was awakened at 3:30 a.m.  It was raining so hard that it sounded like someone was beating on my tent.  At 8:00 it was still raining hard.  I was hoping to wait out the rain, but it became obvious that the rain wasn't stopping for a while.  




I quickly tore down camp, rolling up my totally soaked tent and putting it in a stuff sack.



Today's hike was mostly downhill.  The first 2 1/2 miles were a major wet root and rock scramble.  My legs were talking to me.  Rocky seemed unperturbed.





At the elevations we've been hiking, spring was just starting to appear.  As we dropped in elevation, it became greener, and wildflowers began to appear.





We were expecting the rain to continue all day and then turn to sleet.  The prospect of pitching my wet tent in freezing weather was not appealing at all.  Commando and I decided to split the cost of a small bunk room at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC).  The bunk room is exactly that and no more.  A room with bunks with plastic-covered mattresses, no linen, no TV, and communal restrooms and showers.  All this for the low price of $126 a night.



The sun came out, and we hung our wet gear out to dry.  





Commando and I had a great lunch at the NOC restaurant.  




My shower felt very good.  Even though I'm lying in my sleeping bag, I do like sleeping on this cushy mattress.

Note from Sally:  So . . . at this point when Titanium (Dan) had ended his texted blog entry, we exchanged the following text messages:

Sally:  Where is Rocky's cushy bed?

Titanium:  He's sleeping beside me.

Sally:  On the bunk?

Titanium:  Yes

Sally:    😂  


Highlight:  Commando's Episode 4 Video
Commando's Episode 4 video has been released!  As with the earlier three episodes, it is wonderful, and it even features Rocky right at the beginning with several glimpses of Titanium and Rocky throughout.  Here is the link (thank you, Commando!):




Day 19 Trail Profile





  





 


Comments

  1. Jim HansenApril 24, 2024 at 8:51 AM

    Weather forecast for Bryson City looks good for the next week. Maybe you'll catch a break.

    ReplyDelete

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