Destination: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter
Today's miles: 15.5
Total miles: 137.3
The storms last night were pretty strong, but the shelter did a good job of keeping us warm. A hiker wandered in around 12:30am and scared us half to death. He wasn't able to find the previous shelter and had to keep walking seven miles in the dark in the rain to get to ours. We weren't prepared to see a figure slinking around, illuminated by the flashes of lightning.
After another slow start, we hit the trail for what would be our biggest day since Day 3. We had some decent climbs up Copper Ridge Bald and Wesser Bald that gave us some great views (pictures below) but weren't overly taxing. The most difficult part of the day was probably the six mile descent, often steep, down Wesser Bald to the shelter, during which we lost 2,400 ft in elevation. The difference was noticeable, as it actually looks like spring down here, whereas at the top the trees still aren't even budding.
We have a big climb tomorrow, but not before we stop at the Nantahala Outdoor Center for a hearty breakfast.
There is nothing worse than being woken up in the middle of the night by flashing light and heavy footsteps in the wild. I bet your heart was beating pretty fast.
ReplyDeleteHope the descent wasn't too hard on your knees.
Enjoy your heart breakfast.
Love the pictures! :)
Not enough band width last night to post. Hope Nantahalla Outdoor Center was great and your day went well. We saw iguanas, seal lions, amazing birds, snorkled. Life is good. Love you both M&L
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