Monday, April 15, 2019

Day 13

Sun is out this morning but temperatures have dropped into the 30s. Brrrr.  Got breakfast curtesy of the McD’s just a block away.  I had packed the night before so we all jumped on the shuttle bus at 8:30.  Goodbye to the lovely Sapphire Inn.






There was standing room only on the bus and it was so tight I could not get my phone out to take a picture.  Apparently many hikers had the same plan as we did to get out of Franklin while the weather was good.  This will also be the last time we see the inimitable Ron Haven.  Here he is after dropping the hikers off.





There are two major peaks to conquer today; Siler Bald and Wayah Bald.  Both have elevations over 5,200 feet.  These are also the first balds we have encountered.  A bald is a mountain with an open grassy area at the top.

It was cold and windy especially as we climbed higher but the hiking kept us warm except at the top.  


The views were fantastic today.


We even got some trail magic at the top of Wayah Bald.  These former hikers from Tennessee have been here since 8:30 this morning in 25 degree temperatures.  Still here around 2pm when we came through.  There generosity is amazing and certainly part of the allure of the trail.



This peak had an awesome panorama.




We ended our 12.5 mile day at Licklock Gap.  Not a bad view from our campsite.  👍  Should see a great sunrise tomorrow from my tent.


With the sun going down it’s getting colder.  So it’s time to make dinner and hunker down in my sleeping bag for the night.  My legs and feet are tired 😢.


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