Bunking at the NOC

It’s just after 8 o'clock on Tuesday, April 2, and I’m in a bunk room at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). It’s supposed to be pretty stormy overnight, so I’m glad to have a roof over my head and to be spending it inside. I might have lucked out, because it looks like I have the bunk room to myself. So, bully for me!

I woke up this morning at the Wesser Bald shelter, and ironically, I was too hot last night in my tent. Can't seem to find that happy medium. I got up and was on my way by 8:30 and didn't have a very long hike today. It was only about seven miles from the Wesser Bald shelter down to the NOC, but it was very steep most of the time. We are in a really deep valley here, so I don’t think tomorrow's hike out of here is going to be very pleasant.

There was a really nice ridge walk for the first couple miles today. Didn't really dip too far below the peak. The geography was pretty dramatic and actually very reminiscent of what it's like in New Hampshire — lots of rocks, really steep, some pretty severe drop-offs. I really enjoyed the change in the terrain.

I reached the NOC by about 12:30, but check-in wasn’t until 3 o'clock, so I used the facilities (flush toilets!) and then found my way to a bar and grill that's right on the river. I ordered a chicken sandwich and a beer (okay, two beers) and really enjoyed just sitting there watching the river for a few hours. On my way to check in, I did a quick resupply at their general store, but I didn't need much. Just topped up some things.

I checked in, got to take a shower, and then went back to the main NOC area to the outfitter to talk to them about my backpack and the way it was fitting (or not, I guess). They have this little measurement device, kind of like those shoe fitters they have at shoe stores. You know, you put your foot in the metal thing, and the little sliders move around the edges of your feet? [Wife note: Apparently, these are called Brannock Devices. Who knew?]  Well, they have one of those things for backpacks. And it turns out that the frame of my backpack is far too large for me. I could use a much smaller one, but for now, I just made some adjustments, and I think it's going to be okay. If it continues to be a problem, though, I might have to switch out my backpack.

From the outfitter, I went over to have some dinner at the one sit-down restaurant in the NOC and ordered spaghetti and meatballs. S. thought that was a pretty random dinner choice, but protein... carbs... tasted good. So I was happy! After dinner, I made my way back to the bunkhouse, did some organizing, and had a nice video chat with S.

The storm is supposed to hit here late tonight into early tomorrow morning. We'll see if I sleep through it...