Fri Apr 11, 2014 @ 19:00

Day 12 - Betty Creek Gap to Winding Stair Gap

12.2 miles

Nice weather: Clear, sunny, windy and warm.

Managed to leave camp by 8:30 this morning. The hike today was mostly uninspiring and we were highly anticipating our town stop and resupply, hosted by the East family. Are we there yet?

At 10 am we climbed Albert Mountain, which we had heard was rough but was really no problem.

Hiking down into Winding Stair Gap I was really tired, as I am at the end of all our days.

We arrived at Winding Stair Gap at 3:45 and met Nancy's husband Larry, who picked us up to drive us to their home. He brought trail magic: lemonade, beer, and Nancy's homemade toffee.

On the way to the East home, near Waynesville, NC we stopped in Franklin at Three Eagles Outfitters to get Padawan a pair of trekking poles.

Nancy prepared a feast for supper of BBQ trout and portobellos, sweet potatoes with caramelized onions, fresh salad, and peanut noodles. Dessert was caramel cake, apparently a southern classic.

Tonight was a whirlwind of email and unpacking and setting up the new tent, to replace the leaky Tarp Tent. The East's friends stopped by and we were mostly too busy to chat. I find that hard; all the work we have to do in a town stop and how little time we have to get to know our hosts.

A very full day.