Day 15 - Longest day yet, ending at the NOC and a big burger!

April 30, 2013

Day 15 – Wayah Bald Shelter to Nantahala Outdoor Center
16.5 miles, 137.3 miles total

Today was quite an exhausting day.  It was mostly downhill, but it was so steep that you had to take your time, especially because it was so rocky.  That, and it was my longest day yet, by THREE MILES!  I had originally planned to go to a shelter, but I decided to go the extra mile (literally) and stay in a hostel at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.

The NOC is right on the river.  They have a hostel, cabins, an outfitter, a general store, and even a community building with a full kitchen (minus food)!

Oh…and showers!  I feel like I always need a shower these days.

There is even a restaurant right on the river.  A burger with two half-pound patties is a great way to end a 16 plus mile hiking day.

It’s gonna feel good going to sleep in a comfortable (ish) bed on a full stomach.

Tonight, Rider and I are in a room with Ruben and someone I have yet to meet. Rider and I ate dinner with a couple from South Africa. They are really nice and really fun to talk with. Bill and Paul are also in the hostel somewhere.