Mar 19

DAY #17
START LOCATION: Wesser Bald Shelter
FINISH LOCATION: Nantahala Outdoor Center
TODAY'S MILEAGE: 5.8
TRIP MILEAGE: 135.0
MILES TO GO: 2,044.1

Gorgeous morning at Wesser Bald Shelter today... Sun was creeping up
over the ridge as I was making breakfast. I was out last at 9:00 am.
Hollywood, Bama and Mike were pushing to NOC to take a break and keep
trucking. I was crashing at NOC so I took it easy on the 2,500 foot
descent over the 6 miles. The weather was gorgeous today. It was also
the second day of the 17 that I didn't step on snow anytime.

Rolled into the NOC at 12:30 and there were so many thru hikers
sunning themselves in the 65 degree sunshine and drinking beer...
Hollywood, Scruffy, Sofa, Switchback, Bama, Zino, Picker, Mike,
Cornpatch and a few others. I went down to the banks of the Nantahala
and dangled my feet in the 40 degree waters. Heaven.

Cornpatch shared his Utica Pilseners. Delicious. We got him back at te
next meals. Lunch was a little joint called the Burger Basket... I got
the double w/ cheese and bacon and fries... Devoured it. After my
chores, we hit the resort cafe and I had a black bean and cheese bowl.
Again... Devoured. Both meals were only separated by 3 hours! I'm
turning into an eating machine.

Had a late bedtime after some great catchup phone calls, and I retired
to a full bunkhouse of stinky thru hikers. Slept like a baby.

Have my biggest single ascent tomorrow... The first 6 miles ascends
3,000 without a break. That might be all I have in me. But, Scruffy
and I will be playing it by ear.

-n8dog