Day 15. Tellico Gap to Nantahala Outdoor Center

After spending a great night at the Aquone Hostel, I was served an awesome breakfast of homemade waffles and strawberries by Abby and Steve, the hostel owners. The British couple made a perfect stranger feel at home. I can't say enough about them. I truly was blessed to have met them. Last night after dark, Steve left the comfort and warmth of his home to rescue a hiker trapped by snow in the same area he picked up How About and me. The thru hiker, " Bub" stayed the night in the hostel with us. After breakfast, Steve dropped us off at Tellico Gap where we continued our journey. After walking in the snow for 1 1/2 miles straight up to 5,000 ft above sea level, we reached the Weser Bald Observation Tower. The views were beyond words... The sky was crystal clear with visibility of 40 - 50 miles.

From the tower we began a steep decent 4.5 miles to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. The climb down was tricky with most of the trail covered by fresh snow. There were a few areas where it was necessary for me to sit and slide down rocks. The decent took over 4 hours. My knees and right shin took a beating.

When we arrived at the NOC, I checked into the hostel. How about and I are sharing a room for the night. The room is a little larger than a jail cell!!! Amazing, because we went from a luxury cabin to a prison cell for the same cost!!! After settling in we had a fat burger at the Rivers Edge Restaurant and retired to our jail suite for the night...

Today I hiked 8.3 miles of tough terrain. Tomorrow the plan is to climb out of the NOC early to the Sassafras Shelter 6.5 miles straight up hill. It will be a tough day.

So far I have hiked 137.5 miles. I am 3 days away from entering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Today I learned a valuable lesson in genuine caring. A home was opened to me by perfect strangers. I could genuinely feel their concern, caring nature and interest in my journey. Steve and Abby gave me a peaceful feeling that someday I to will return to a perfect stranger as well...