Getting out of your comfort zone is supposed to be uncomfortable
April 25, 2023
AT miles: 5.7
Ascent: 1081’
Descent: 866’
Weather: partly cloudy and mid-50’s
High points: the many great views and the wonderful dinner at the NOC
Last night was really cold and uncomfortable. I tossed and turned and eventually put on every piece of clothing that was in my pack. I think I may have slept an hour or two….
Morning eventually came, and we all socialized over coffee. We set out around 9:00. For the first part the trail was along a ridge. The views were amazing.
The gray mountains in the far back are the Smokies.
This is the view from my snack stop.
The trail today was so peaceful!
Eventually, I arrived at the NOC, the Nantahala Outdoor Center, home to 23 kayak and canoe Olympians. The facility has an absolutely amazing location right on the white water of the Nantahala River deep in the Nantahala National Forest. The NOC has restaurants, a bar, stores, bunkhouses, cabins, and lots of whitewater rafting.
I had lunch in the restaurant —a delicious trout sandwich— and then wandered about a bit waiting for the others. Our bunkhouse was extremely utilitarian, but dinner was delicious. We have been sort of adopted by an aggressive and obnoxious section hiker from Washington State who finagled her way into staying with us. (our fearless leader is a very sweet person, and sometimes being sweet and kind has drawbacks!)
Today is a great day for a long walk in the woods!