Katahdin

Katahdin
Aug 17 2010 - End of Part 1

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Thur 16 Sep - Cold Spring Shelter

In spite of a seven day forecast for sunny weather, we had light rain in the afternoon. Enough that got out the rain gear but not enough to get us too wet. Otherwise, warm, low 80s.

This morning we drove to Sally and Joyce's house and left the car. Joyce took us north into North Carolina and the Nantahala National Forest. This area has high mountains with 4000 foot gaps and 5000+ foot peaks. Nantahala is Cherokee for "land of the noon day sun".

We climbed all morning to get from 1700 feet at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Wesser, NC up to Wesser Bald, Rocky Bald, and Copper Ridge Bald - the last two at over 5000 feet. They must have been named long ago because they are all covered with trees and have minimal views.

The shelter we are in tonight is at 4920 feet. It was built in 1933 by the CCC. It is not well maintained - bear cables are broken for example. We would have gone to the next shelter but Wendy was not doing well. Her right knee is still a problem and she got a bee sting below the left knee. She wanted to go further but decided against it so we had a short day as I planned. Tomorrow will determine if we are out for four or five days this trip.

Water is still short supply. No rain in the forecast.

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