Nice little 8 miles or so after getting dropped off back at Rock Gap by Britches’s Aunt Barb on Sunday. Ended up being glad I stopped there, because we’ve started to have the sad realization that some more of us are going to separate for now, due to different paces. So camping at Siler Bald was a lovely time with Travis, Josh, Britches, Feral Goat, Olivia and I together, as was the next day when I hiked through the morning with Travis and Josh, and then everyone arrived to the Wayah Bald fire tower one after another and had a lovely little lunch and hangout. The weather was gorgeous. We did one last mile or so all as one group to the Wayah Bald Shelter, and then I said my difficult goodbyes (for now, and for some folks for the third time that day as we continued running into each other and hanging out) as I continued on. I say “for now” because I know I’ll see everyone again soon; either on the trail as our paces continue to change and folks catch up, or after the trail (we’re already making plans to meet up, and I can’t wait). Again, it’s absolutely incredible how close I’ve begun to feel to these folks over the past few weeks, and I’m so glad I met each of them.

I continued on after saying goodbye (for now) at Wayah, and camped at Big Branch last night. That put me less than 10 miles from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, where I am now. The hike here was gorgeous: there was a spot called The Jump-Off with a stunning view toward the Smokies, and then a long, steep descent toward the NOC with a lovely view a good chunk of the way. Some ridge-walking too, which is always nice, what with the mountain views on both sides. What a lovely spot to resupply and have some good food and drinks! I picked up my first mail drop (thanks Grammy Nae and Gramps!) had a beer with some trail acquaintances, and then made some phone calls to catch up with folks while sitting by the Nantahala and watching whitewater kayakers practice. When I was getting ready to head back out on trail, I happened to run into a hiker I talked to yesterday named Master Splinter, who happened to have an extra bed in the room he booked here, so we went and got some food at the NOC restaurant (chicken fried chicken!) and now I’m getting ready to sleep in my 3rd real bed on trail (although this one is more of a summer-camp style bunk).