Spring 2017 AT hike, day #8

Saturday, May 20, 2017
Start: Sassafras Gap Shelter
End: Tellico Gap
Miles: 14.8

It rained a bit during the night so I packed up a wet tent in the morning. I didn't sleep very well and woke up in a grumpy mood. At least the bugs weren't as evil in the morning. I was up at 6am and on trail by 7am. It quickly got hot and humid.

From the shelter (4391'), I climbed to Swim Bald (4710') and then descended to US 19/74 and Nantahala Outdoor Center (1732'). I ended up going to the outfitter and the general store there and hanging out for a while (fine, it was over an hour!). Turns out, they have a special IT band strap, which is magic. It cut my pain by at least 60%. It allowed me to walk normally again. I had the full use of both my legs again; my body and soul rejoiced. They also loved the three cold drinks, egg sandwich, and assorted other snacks we ate.

From the NOC, I bounded up the never ending mountain. I went past the Jumpoff (3940') and then summited Wesser Bald (4627'), climbing to the top of the observational tower. I hung out there for maybe half an hour, calling hostels to figure out a way to get me more contact lense eye drops, as I'd run out this morning. After figuring it out, I descended to Tellico Gap (3850'), arriving by 3:45, where my shuttle picked me up and took me to Franklin.

I deeply enjoyed showering, getting groceries, eating in town, and running my laundry. Tomorrow, I have a 7am shuttle back to Tellico Gap, where I'll hike back towards Franklin. If I must hike in the rain, slack packing is the way to do it.

Spring 2017 AT hike, day #7

Friday, May 19, 2017
Start: Fontana Dam shelter
End: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles: 21.9

Today I woke up around 6:10am and headed out by 6:55am.

I climbed from the shelter (1853') up to ~3800' and then descended down to Cable Gap Shelter (2878'). I climbed up to Brushnell knob (3928'), past Brown Fork Gap Shelter (3813'), up to ~4000, and then down to Stecoah Gap (3165') (my original destination). I then climbed up to Cheoah Bald (5062'), and then down to Sassafras Gap Shelter (4391').

My IT band started giving me a lot of trouble today. I spent most of the day keeping my right leg as straight as possible, with lots of immediate feedback about my technique. It was also hot and humid, making it very hard to keep up with water needs of the body.

I arrived at Sassafras Gap Shelter around 6:45pm. I was going to stay in the shelter but there are four men there already and the bugs are awful. I set up my tent and didn't open the door until bugs had settled down a bit. I ate dinner and got myself settled by around 8:45pm. Tomorrow will be a lighter day in terms of miles, which I appreciate.