April 23, 2021

Up and out to breakfast at the Diner at 7:15.  A little later than I hoped but not bad.  Then off on the trail which goes right through the town, over the railroad tracks across the French Broad River and then up into the mountains.  There will be three climbs today amounting to about 4000 feet.  My goal is Spring Mountain Shelter about 11 miles.  Should be a good day today but rain on Saturday.

Walking along the French Broad River.

Views along the trek up into the mountains.

I came across two memorials during the day.  These were deep in the mountains along the trail.  So interesting to find these in what to me seem to be remote areas in the mountains.  I’ll have to see if I can find more about these. (I learned that Rex Pulford died of a heart attack during a thru hike attempt in 1983.)

Weather was pretty good today but trees partially hid some of the views.  

When I got to the shelter it was full.  Normally I would tent by the shelter but this is high up on a ridge and the weather prediction is for strong winds.  I ended up stealth camping alone down the mountain about 2 miles further.

Hope to get an early start to get to the next shelter before the rain and winds which are expected tomorrow. Total miles logged today was nearly 13 with appropriate elevation gain of 4,000 feet.

Legs are tired.