NOC to Sassafras Gap Shelter was our plan.
We were early to bed. Our plan was to get up early and then have an easy break in day.
The morning was cold. Ice on the ground in places.
Mild wind.
Then we got to Sassafras and it was lunchtime, and the shelter was dirty, cold and empty.
So, just a few more miles.
Instead of 6.9 …
Our day was slight more than 17 instead of almost 7.
We had beautiful views.
At the gap we caught a shuttle. Warm. Real bed. Did laundry and showered. Met a 68 year old retired farmer and hiker. Great guy. Just Alan who later got trail named Ninja Mouse.
Alan is a great guy. Earlier that day we were given trail magic muffins by Too Bad.
Passed nine hikers, passed by seven. The numbers are backwards.