Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Rafting in the snow

I'm still at the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center)...with working internet and no lines. I've decided to stay here another day due to the cold weather and fallin' snow at this low elevation - which equals more snow and colder temps at the 3000+ feet I would have hiked today - and get to hike tomorrow.. Two zero days in a row wasn't part of the plan, but this early on, my body really doesn't mind the break. Gaining an additional 35 lbs of pack weight and 135+ miles walking up/down mountains and hills over and over again in a two weeks period isn't exactly a natural way of getting into the best hiking shape of my life...it's breaking my body down. Feels good to heal a little bit.

Instead of hiking today, I should be renting a raft pretty soon now and rafting down the Nantahala River with some fellow hikers. They've got wetsuits and splash suits for us to wear and no extra charge with this chilly weather.

Actually, we've had some nice weather until now. Lots of variety actually for two weeks of hiking. I'd say 60% rain/chilly/fog/no visibility categories, and 40% in the lovely/warm/miles of visibility categories. I'll be heading into the Smokies pretty soon now and it does appear the weather will be nice. but you never know.

On the nicer days, the visibility of the North Carolina mountains is incredible. beyond incredible. so many layers of blues and greys - and deep pinks, oranges, and reds during sunsets/sunrises.

I've met lots of fun personalities and have been hiking with Rick (from NZ) and Mike (oklahoma). We've seemed to have similar mindsets as to how much hiking we want to do this early on and have ended up staying at similar shelters/campsites. But they left to the higher elevations this morning so it'll be a while before i see them again.

But I'm still at the NOC for another day and should meet lots more people who chickened out to hiking in the snow...

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