Day 16-And So it Goes...

...But first the day. We awoke to a beautiful sunrise at Wayah Bald Shelter. Sure Foot and I hopped back on the AT at 8:30. The first mile or so was wonderful trail. When we got to Licklog Gap we noticed there was a very nice campsite there. Too bad we didn’t know about it. It would have been much nicer than Wayah. 






If only the whole trail was like this.

Shadow selfie!

We started climbing up to Copper Ridge. While the climb wasn’t that bad, it was definitely warming up. For the first time in awhile, we were down to our minimal layers before noon!


As we came down to Tellico Gap, we could see a couple of cars. They appeared to be non-official, so we continued down. At the trailhead, there were two 12 packs of soda. Yay! Trail Magic! As we were each drinking one, around the corner walks Sam (supporting Odyssey). Of course, it was the Traveling Trail Angel! He said Odyssey was due to get there tomorrow. We also got more info on Forward’s arm injury (she fell and possibly dislocated her shoulder). Seems she was going to be okay. 


After giving our trash to Sam, we started our last climb to Wesser Bald. It too was not a bad climb. There was a tower at the top. Fantastic 360 degree views. We could see Fontana Lake and the Smokies. Too bad they’re closed. 







We arrived at Wesser Bald Shelter. Talked to another hiker named Beast. He said the grocery at the NOC was now closed. That was our resupply point. Also found out from Primo that the Smokies won’t open until April 30th at the earliest. Soooo...what to do...

Sure Foot and I sat down to make a plan. In the end (along with another hiker named Mouse), we decided to go back. Sure Foot’s son will come pick him up in Franklin. I will go to Franklin, maybe meet up with Primo, and decide from there. Maybe try to go around the Smokies, but while that is possible, the problems will remain going north...hard to get resupply. Maybe just continue to hike south...


It’s very disappointing the way things are turning out. I’m really going to miss Sure Foot. We get along well, and make good hiking buddies. 


So disappointed. 

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