April 11, 2006: Whiteoak Stamp to Beech Gap (16.5mi)

April 11, 2006
Yesterday we had a late start and some tough terrain. Today its a different story. A couple of tough climbs but just gentle rolling hills for the most part. A lovely sunny day in the 70s ending @ 1600 with our arrival @ Betty Creek Gap. A great day with our best milage so far....16.5mi. These pics are in proper order.

1. This sign box greeted us into a section of the Nantahala ( Thats Cherokee for: Land of the noon day sun) Can you read the note about the bear running amock!!! LOL
2. Thats me posing by the sign post.
3. The rhododendrums are all over this part of the mountains...wild...must be beautiful in bloom...There are plenty of buds ready to pop...looks like were just missing the floral show by a week or two...
4. Group pic at our camp site... Joe and I decided to by-pass the shelter and its campsite for this less frequented one...LOL As you can see this one ended up full too... Lots of folks with the same dreams...all taking them to Katahdin... From LtoR: Dave hiking with his Dad (not present..Wayne)who was taking a nap, Me, Wild Poodle (trail name), Joe (standing), Cindy (hiking with Wild Poodle), Bill, Laura, and Phil. We had a really nice time eating around the fire ring, later having a fire and chatting about things past and things to come.