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Day 20, April 22

NOC to Cheoah Bald

This morning we went to the Outfitter and general store to pick up a few items and watch the kayakers.  The NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) is known as a destination for white water sports and training.


Today we climbed and climbed.  While it was far less technical than the last few days, we gained back all of the elevation we had lost dropping down to the NOC.

Day 20 Trail Profile

We stopped by Sassafras Gap Shelter where Rocky made a few more friends.

Sassafras Gap Shelter



The views from the top of Cheah Bald were fantastic.  There were a few tents pitched next to the trail.  As we passed by, a Belgian Malinois jumped on Rocky.  There was a minor scuffle but no harm done, and the dogs parted as friends.  



Day 21-23 Teaser

April 23-25

Cheoah to Fontana Dam and

Onto the Smokies

Note from Sally:  As I load this post on April 24th, Titanium and Rocky, along with Commando, hiked to Locust Cove Gap on April 23rd, and Titanium (Dan) has sent some beautiful photos and a narrative for that day.  But I am out of time!  

I'm about to leave, along with our other two dogs (Zap and Rosie), to meet the hikers at Fontana Dam, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  We will be staying at a hotel in Robinnsville, a few miles from Fontana Dam for two nights (one zero day for the hikers), and then the hikers will proceed through the Smokies on Friday, April 26th.  I will be posting a full multi-day post after I return home.

A little suspense is involved in whether Rocky's service dog certification will gain him entrance to the Smokies where dogs are not usually allowed on the trails.  It should, but if we have any trouble, I will be able to bring Rocky home for a few days and then return him to Titanium at Davenport Gap on the other end of the National Park.  Rocky seems to be hitting his groove and having a great time now, so I'm hoping he can continue through the Park.  Besides, Dan (with his "Titanium" knees) really does lean on Rocky to right himself when the trail goes out from under him!





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