Left out of Cold Spring late after the storm overnight and hiked slow, partially because Bluebird was trying to catch up. The rain was done but strong winds whipped across the ridges. The Wesser Bald tower view was amazing but I darn near got blown off the tower.

After meeting Rush the Vistula, I rolled into Wesser Bald Shelter at 3:15, leaving 5.7 miles into the NOC tomorrow.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #20 (4/1/23)
Start - Cold Spring (125.2)
End - Wesser Bald (131.0)
Today's mileage: 5.8
Total section miles: 131.0
Section Avg:  7.7*
Total miles on AT: 1166.6
   * Zeros (3) not included

Life’s Tragedy is that we get old to soon and wise too late.

Benjamin Franklin

I walked out of Wine Spring Camp this morning knowing that bad weather was coming tonight. The goal for the day was to get to Cold Spring Shelter in time to get a spot before it filled up. Itchy Feet passed me in the last 1/2 mile and said, “It’s a race to the shelter!” He and I are two of the six that have spots in the small shelter.

On the way there was trail Magic and an amazing view at Wayah Bald. There were also lots of blow downs including one at Wayah Shelter that fell last week in the camping area.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #19 (3/31/23)
Start - Wine Spring (117.6)
End - Cold Spring (125.2)
Today's mileage: 7.6
Total section miles: 125.2
Section Avg:  7.8*
Total miles on AT: 1160.8
   * Zeros (3) not included

Expectation is the root of all heartache.

William Shakespeare

Add Wayah view, blow down and Cold Spring pic.

Yesterday in downtown Franklin was truly a pleasure. Most of the hikers on trail came into town because of the burn closure. The weather was great and the trail community had a huge presence in town. I went to both outfitters, bought lots of updated equipment, and spent time with my trail friends.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #18 (3/30/23)
Start - Winding Stair (109.4)
End - Wine Spring Camp (117.6)
Today's mileage: 8.2
Total section miles: 117.6
Section Avg:  7.8*
Total miles on AT: 1153.2
   * Zeros (3) not included

Nothing will come of nothing; we must dare mighty things.

William Shakespeare

We (Bluebird, Bright Spot & Puffin) decided to do a short slackpack today during our zero to get a little further along the trail. We hiked from Rock Gap to Winding Stair Gap and then headed back into town. It was a good thing we had this plan because the trail was closed north of Winding Stair Gap due to a prescribed burn. The afternoon will be spent doing resupply, laundry, and mailing things home.

Today I’ve realized that God has blessed me with something new this hike. For some reason he has decided it is time for me to start to learn patience. What a blessing…

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #17 (3/29/23)
Start - Rock Gap (105.8)
End - Winding Stair Gap(109.4)
Today's mileage: 3.6
Total section miles: 109.4
Section Avg:  7.8*
Total miles on AT: 1145.0
   * Zeros (3) not included

Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.

Victor Hugo

I hiked out of Long Branch shelter in the cool morning on the way to Rock Gap. I passed the Rock Gap shelter on the way.

After reaching Rock Gap, I headed into Franklin for a Zero and Resupply.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #16 (3/28/23)
Start - Long Branch (102.1)
End - Rock Gap (105.8)
Today's mileage: 3.7
Total section miles: 105.8
Section Avg:  7.6*
Total miles on AT: 1141.4
   * Zeros (2) not included

People do not lack strength, they lack will.

Victor Hugo