April 13, 2006: Winding Stair Gap, Franklin NC to Cold Spring Shelter...15.8mi

After a recouperative visit to Franklin, and updating my blog Im back on the trail, anxious to begin the Smokies...Still got a few miles to do before that though so best get going... Another beautiful day on the trail... started late at 1015 with a late ride back out to the trailhead from Franklin, a 15 mile trip... Once back on the trail Joe and I push it to get in as many miles as possible. We set our sites on a shelter site almost 16mi away... Pretty adverturesome for such a late start...but I'm feel real good after that AYCE steak buffett... The day started out in the 60's and climbed into the 80's later. I had lunch at Wayah Bald, and layed in the sun while resting my feet for the next half of my day... Plenty of good views from a series of Bald Mountain Tops and ridges until we finally get to our destination @ 1730...Cold Spring Shelter... We camped on a ridge and experienced a beautiful sunset and sunrise the next morning. The moon was a bright orange as it rose in the western sky and after dark we could see the city lights of Bryson City in the distance...
Pictures:
1. Poster from the summit of Wayah Bald during my lunch...
2. Again from Wayah Bald a friendly couple with two dogs from Florida on a day hike
3. Setting up camp after a long rather tough day on the trail. A lovely ridge camp spot for the night...
4. Westward view from the ridge approaching sunset
5. Getting ready for dinner around the campfire
6. Had a nice dinner with another Chicago hiker who set up camp nearby...Joe came in late after 1900 and turned in early..