Day 11. Carter Gap Shelter to Winding Stair Gap NC

Survived another cold snowy night!!! It was very cold last night at Carter Gap shelter. Unfortunately, at 0330 hours I had to get out of my warm sleeping bag and walk to the privy approximately 100 yards from the shelter... All the while the wind was blowing the snow sideways!!! Not fun... So I arrive at the privy and shine my headlamp inside to find a mouse sitting on the seat. "I'm sorry Mr. Mouse, but please step aside. I have to go badly!!" He moved about four inches from me and just watched as I did my business in the dead cold of night. I can only imagine what he was thinking.

In the morning I awoke to frozen boots, clothes and water bottles. Crap!!! I packed up and started to hike at 0800. The plan was to hike to the Long Branch Shelter, 8.6 miles. The hike was awesome. I climbed some of the most awe inspiring ledges and ridges so far. The views were unbelievable. I summited Albert Mountain at 5250 Feet above sea level and climbed the US Forestry Fire Tower. I took some amazing photos and video.

When I arrived at Long Branch Shelter, I felt good and strong so I decided to keep hiking another 7.3 miles to Winding Stair Gap in Franklin NC. When I arrived at the Gap, a day hiker offered me a ride into Franklin. I loaded my stinky self into his car along with his two dogs and headed to Ron Havens Budget Inn. Today I hiked 15.9 miles...

Had a hot and needed shower, did my laundry and went for Mexican food and ice cold beer!! I will stay here and take a zero day tomorrow. A zero day means no miles hiked. I need to resupply for the next 6 days in order to get to Fontana Dam. That is the beginning of the Smoky Mountain National Park in Tennessee.

Biggest lesson learned today: " Do not use Mountain Laurel leaves in place of toilet paper. Not fun!"

So far I have hiked 109.8 miles!!!! ( I have two big heel blisters... Ouch)