Saturday, March 12th

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Siler Bald Shelter to Wayah Gap

1.7 miles

Total miles 115.4

I didn't get a lot of sleep last night due to the Depression era shelter's metal roof. It rained (poured) hard and noisily from midnight to 3am. When I fell asleep again, it snowed. We awoke to a snow covered shelter and below freezing temperatures.  I was later told it was 10 degrees. My sleeping bag and liner are getting a workout. The sleeping bag is rated to 15 degrees and the liner adds another 10. I was chilly, but not too cold. The wind started to howl as I got ready for my hike. There were weather advisories for the weekend so I was anxious to get off the trail.

I had a very short day, but it felt like a workout. I actually hiked an extra half mile because the shelter was a half mile from the Appalachian Trail. It just seems wrong to place a shelter so far from the trail, lol!

I was picked up by the Nantahala Mtn lodge shuttle and taken to a charming hostel. I had a private room again. This time with a half bath attached. Oh the luxuries you take for granted. Indoor plumbing attached to my bedroom. Whoohoo! 

The snow had covered my backpack. 
It had been hanging in the covered area of shelter. 


Walking in a winter wonderland!

The sun peaked through the clouds 
for all of five minutes. 




I had to remove the snow to read the sign, lol.


We are waiting for the shuttle. 

Nantahala Mtn lodge 



Theodora is warm and snuggled. 


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