Day 11 Winding Stair Gap to Cold Spring Shelter (15.8 miles)

Caught shuttle back to trail and hiking by 9:30. Beautiful day. Sunny and about 60.

Every once in awhile you cross Forest Service roads like below. Strange thing about this one is that was uphill to get to road and those stairs you see on other side are practically straight up too. Not what you want to see when getting to road!

Below views are from Wayah Bald (elev 5342). Middle picture is Omaha Rick…in case anyone knows him, he’s alive and well.

Met a guy heading south looking for his phone. Said had left pack 2 miles ahead, if I found phone just leave with pack. Didn’t find phone but did see pack with note. He ended up going back 4 miles to shelter he had stayed in and, amazingly, found phone.

Made it to shelter area about 5. Nice spot for the night. Tomorrow about 12 miles to Nantahala Outdoor Center.