Tuesday, March 15th

Wesser Bald stealth site to Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

6.2 miles

Total miles 136.9

I saw a beautiful sunrise as I took my tent down and packed it away. The hike today began with mountain landscapes that had me awestruck. The terrain was very rocky at the beginning. There was even a spot that I had to sit on my bottom and slide down to do it safely. The beautiful vistas made it worth the effort. 

My knee started to act up again after a couple of miles. The steep descent made the knee pain intense. It’s on the outside of the knee so it made be IT band related. 

I got to the Nantahala Outdoor Center around noon is. I picked up my resupply box at the outfitter. I was very happy to read all the birthday cards and encouraging notes. Thank you everyone! ❤️ 

I had a meal at the restaurant there. The Sherpa’s Rice dish was delicious. Here is the recipe. https://cookshare.net/2017/01/17/sherpas-rice/

Now for the bad part of my day. I checked into the hiker hostel. It was like a jail cell. Well, what I think a jail cell looks like. The community room was filthy. The bathroom was in another building (not even close to the buildingI was in). Not fun for someone who has to potty in the middle of the night. No linens or towels provided. I was supposed to be there two days. I called and canceled the second day. 

Sometumes you win, sometimes you lose. This time I lost. I was very upset about the room, I know it seems silly after sleeping in a tent or a three sided shelter. I had a very long day, I was sore, and looking for a bit of pampering. Probably too much to ask for hikers.

I found mouse holes in my backpack. 

I took 4 ibuprofen for back pain and went to bed.

Community room (it was filthy)

Bunkhouse (jail cell?)

Lone kayak enjoying the rapids

Sherpa’s Rice

Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

I have no idea what kind of rock this is, but I appreciate it’s beauty.

My new favorite flavor

The vistas were spectacular

Sunrise!