This post is part of a series that was originally written during our 2012 section hike on the AT. To read all of the entries, click here.
Originally written 4/19/12
Day 13
Wayah Bald Shelter (mile 120.8)
We rolled out of town this morning after our first zero and it felt great to have an entire day off to rest. I’m already dreaming of our next one in Hot Springs.
We took the shuttle back to the gap with a ton of other hikers who were staying at the hotel. It rained so lots of people decided to take a zero. We all started hiking at once which is always a pain in the butt, as everyone settles into their pace and people are passing each other. Luckily we were the fastest ones in this group so once we passed everyone, we had the trail to ourselves.
Our goal was to get in as many miles as we could today so we would be able to comfortably get to the NOC tomorrow, but Serial was feeling tired and his foot was bothering him. We called it a day after 11 miles, which isn’t too bad for starting close to noon. Tomorrow we have 16.5 to do, but a lot of it is downhill and we have all day to do it.
Serial was so kind and understanding when I had my tired day last week so I offered to set up out camp by myself while he just relaxed by the fire. Hopefully he rests well tonight and feels better, but if not we’ll just adjust accordingly.