D 9

Day 9     3/31

• Miles Traveled: 11.8
  
• Shelter: tent at Muskrat Creek Shelter
  
• High Point: Crossing Into NC!!!
  
• Low Point: Russ' stench
  

Leaving town this morning and our packs are heavy. We were packed 12 deep in a sketch van headed for the trail. A few small jokes are made but I state the obvious to the group... "Anybody have that sinking feeling that they forgot something important?" Every one nods and laughs. When you carry absolutely everything you need on your back, you can't leave anything behind. Our sights are set on NC today. The weather is ominious but we are excited.

The miles came easy this morning. Started out at 9:22 and by noon we covered 5.2 miles and headed into the Nantahala Wilderness.

Russ finally broke down and started using hiking poles. This is exactly how he feels now.

He is glad he finally listened to every other hiker out there. After crossing into NC the mountains we immediately went upward. The first mountain we summited was appropriately named sharp top mountain. The wind was intense today. Constantly blowing and we probably stopped 20 times to out in our jackets and then take them off.

I'm having some pain in my back, almost like a knot in my right shoulder blade. I think it's a combination of be using my hiking poles improperly, the fresh (exaggerated) 20lbs of new food strapped to my back, and an improper fit to my pack. I'm going to work it out the next few days.

Got to watch another sunset this evening. We are so lucky.