Trevor called at lunchtime today from the NOC. On Saturday he and Mountaineer hiked 18 miles to the Wesser Bald Shelter where they camped with about 30 other hikers last night. I guess he was anxious to get to the NOC because he started hiking at 7am this morning and arrived at the NOC by 9:45. I think he wanted to maximize his time at the NOC today and recharge for his hike tomorrow. I've read that the hike out of NOC is challenging because he goes from a 1700 foot elevation back up to 5000 feet.
At NOC he enjoyed a breakfast of pancakes and eggs at their restaurant, took a shower, and started laundry. He said the Hokie vs. Witchita State game was playing in the restaurant and as soon was he got off the phone he planned to go watch.
Trevor said the hike on Saturday was interesting and he took pictures but doesn't know if they'll do his experience justice. He said there were times where he had to stop and think about each step, contemplating how best to execute them so he wouldn't fall off a ledge. Apparently he had to step from jutting rock to jutting rock and if he messed up then he would have fallen a fairly good distance. He said it didn't feel life threatening, but it would have hurt alot!
No bears, no ticks, no poison ivy yet! He's got about 30 miles to Fontana Dam and the start of the Smoky Mountains. He believes they'll hike 10 miles (mostly uphill) tomorrow, then tent on the trail. On Tuesday they plan a 14 mile hike to a campsite just outside Fontana Dam where they can pick up the food they mailed ahead and zero for a day before beginning the 5 day hike through the Smokies to Davenport , TN.
Hey Trevor, glad you are doing so well. Keep up the great hiking and take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteKristina Reade