Snack Time

I awoke to rustling sleeping bags and creaking wood. The room was semi-dark, and the other hikers were planning ther assault plan for getting out of their sleeping bags. I wandered around the NOC complex for a little while, killing tome before I started the long and complex process of packing my backpack. I fnally started, but half way through I went to breakfast with three other hikers. The food was cheap and good. I was on trail around 10:30AM, at which point Hal and I began the 7.1 mile climb to the shelter, mostly uphill. About two miles before the shelter there was a nice view, I deemed myself worthy of a snack break, and it was also a Kodak moment. Straight up. Straight down. Turn left. Turn right. That describes the trail for the last two miles of today. I was originally going to camp on Cheoah Bald with Hal, thinking I might have a quiet night and a nice sunset. When I arrived at this shelter, I learned several other hikers were headinh up there, so I decided not to. At some point I would like to camp on a nice ridge on my own, but tonight is not the night. I would be seeking quietness, and I would not get that tonight on the bald. I enjoy the company of the small group of hikers I am moving forward with right now. I am looking forward to the thru hikers spreading out. Tomorrow I shall walk some more, slowly but surely getting closer to the next destination. The day after tomorrow is no longer on my mind. It is all about the here and now. Kirby

Ga>ME 2008