Wesser Bald shelter to NOC (mile 136.5)

Tough morning. Did not sleep well and was up an out of camp by 6am. Hiked for an hour in the dark before sunrise, which is as creepy as it sounds. Made my way to a place called the jump off. It was a narrow part of the trail with huge drops to either side. Thankfully the sun was up by then as it was pretty hairy.

Then the down started and it was DOWN. It was murder on my ankle and knee on my left leg. Once again I hobbled down to the gap. I didn’t reach the NOC until 10:30, and again I was pretty sure my hike was over. My ankle and knee were throbbing constantly, making it pretty damn difficult to walk.

The NOC, or Nantahala Outdoor Centre, did not really have much in the way of anything. There was an outdoor gear shop, a general store, a restaurant and a hostel.

I booked into the hostel for the night and by then the restaurant had opened so I grabbed a burger with some of the other hikers there, Pilgrim, Iron Man, Quesidilla (and her beautiful dog Flynn), Papa Murph, 50 cent, and Lucky. And I felt a whole lot better. After a shower and getting some laundry done I felt even betterer.

I had a room to myself in the hostel, which was a nice treat.

I gathered some more supplies from the Outdoor place (a SOL emergency bivvy fur extra warmth at night, an ankle brace, and some food).

I washed my disgusting clothes and had dinner with Bean bag and Pyro. I then enjoyed a full night of internet access.

Started bad, ended good.

Going to the mountain tomorrow, and hopefully my ankle will hold up.