Wed Apr 16, 2014 @ 17:00

Day 17 - NOC to Locust Cove Gap

10.3 miles

We didn't leave the NOC till nearly 10am. We were delayed because I thought I lost my cash pouch. After emptying and hunting through my whole pack I found it in the pocket of my puffy jacket, stuffed into my dry bag.

It was a slow start but a great day.

The climb out of the NOC was long and hard but we were rested and in great spirits from our day off and the nice weather today.

The day flew by. We enjoyed chatting with Jade & Steady on Cheoah Bald.

Got into camp at 4:30. It's a small tent city here, each tent, most of them single person tents, claiming what little space is available in the narrow gap.

I am so grateful that everyone was happy today, which helped us to make great time to our campsite, in spite of leaving the NOC late this morning and the difficult climb.

Tomorrow we'll meet Wendy at Stecoah gap and she'll help us do a resupply in Robbinsville to prepare for the Smokies.

We're camping tonight next to Jade & Steady, Bottlecap (he's in a hammock), Patriot, Patience, Lover Boy and Belch, and a bunch of others. Thank goodness it's a quiet crew.