Carter Gap Shelter - Long Branch Shelter
Today was one of my favorite hiking days. Thankfully we all survived the single-digit temps and got up with the sun. Tearing down in the cold is less than fun, but everyone was in good spirits. I headed out early on my own and spent most of the morning hiking along. It was cold but once I was moving I felt okay. It was super clear and beautiful out with lots of good views. I talked with Tio and Crush a little and was looking for a lunch spot when I walked up on trail magic at the base of Albert Mountain. Former thru hiker Chestnut from West Asheville was out grilling burgers.
He had beer, chips, fruit, and homemade brownies from his wife. While I was there my friends caught up and we got to eat together. We spent almost an hour hanging with Chestnut before summiting Albert Mountain. It was super steep, but really the only hard climb today.
The view from the top was gorgeous, and it also marked 100 miles! I’m so proud of myself and it was really cool to do it with my tramily.
We cranked out easy miles to the shelter and all decided to sleep in the shelter on the 2nd story. Today was so nice because it’s most likely the last time all my tramily will be together. Ranger is picking us up for a nero in Sylva tomorrow.
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