Day 12

Saturday April 18

Mile 120.8

Wayah Bald Shelter

Got a late start this morning from the motel. Took the 11 am shuttle back to the trail and was hiking right after 11:30.

The shuttle is apparently hiker famous. There is a sticker over the door that says "I rode the short bus" and hikers have taken those stickers everywhere.

I already knew my shins were hurting before I hit the trail. I had stretched earlier but it didn't help. All day they were slowing me down and hurting. By the end of the day my legs were burning.

I was extremely slow today and wore completely out. The uphills took forever and the downs were painful.

Regardless, we had good hiking weather all day. Sunny for part of the time, then the clouds started rolling in but didn't rain. It was breezy at times which was nice.

There were decent views at both Siler and Wayah. I didn't go up Siler because of my legs. Besides, I had seen it before in much better weather.

I hiked by myself most of the day since everyone was in front of me except for a few people, and they caught up quickly.

When I got to wayah bald I actually started going decently fast on the downhill. Maybe I just couldn't feel it anymore...

Got to camp and set up, preparing for the rain tonight and tomorrow. Probably going to get wet but oh well. The only level tent pad was taken so I am on a slope.

At some point during the day I somehow acquired the trail name Better Call Paul. Whatever, I can deal with that one for now.

After dinner that was constantly interrupted by gnats, we were talking and just relaxing. Got into a debate on gun control. Interesting mix of views. Had me, a 911 operator/law school student from Raleigh, two guys from Cincinnati, Dakota from Boston and Mariah from Michigan. It got a little heated for a while. Very entertaining.

In the tent by 8:30, waiting on the rain to come. Planning on trying to get to the noc tomorrow. 17 miles, long day but doable. Lots of downhill though... The shins need to get in the game!

Hopefully it will be a good night.