Wednesday, March 16th

Nantahala Outdoor Center to Mile 144.3 stealth campsite 

7.4 miles

144.3 total miles 

Today was another hard day. I started off at 7:30am in the rain. Then it started pouring rain! The hike was straight up out of the Nantahala Outdoor Center and it got the better of me. It just seemed to be never-ending. I was getting very discouraged.  When the rain stopped, it suddenly got better. 

I stopped around 1 pm at Sassafras shelter. I was planning on staying here for the night. It was dirty and I worried about mice activity. I had an early dinner here with a few hikers I knew. This was the first time I stopped at a shelter and had a hot meal. I had more energy and a new resolve after eating. Maybe there is something to that. Lol After eating, I pressed on until I found a nice stealth campsite. It was another half mile that I hiked very slowly. I set up my tent and was very satisfied with my decision. I had another scenic tent site. 

The start of my morning.

After a half hour, rain soaked!

I had to straddle this log to cross.

I added my found penny from heaven

Another rocky path. Each rock path is good training.

This cute puppy dog is pure muscle. Her name is Juniper.