Day 16: April 6, 2021 (9.8 miles)

Wayah Bald Shelter - Wesser Bald Fire Tower

This morning was a slow start, but once I got moving all was well. I hiked part of the morning with Scout Master and then did the big climb with this gang from Georgia that was super sweet! It was 2 sisters and their husbands, we chatted the whole climb.

I finally caught up with my tramily and we all ate lunch together on top of a rock bald. The view was okay but the company was great!

Lunch with the tramily on top of a rock face. Talk about lunch with a view!

I hiked downhill with Erika and it was so nice to spend some one-on-one time with her. The last mile was STEEP, but I chatted for a bit with another thru hiker named Brandi from eastern NC.

Hiking with sweet Erika, one of the most outgoing and kind people I met on trail

I finally made it to the fire tower and man what a view! The whole tramily is here, plus Butter and Lady Bug. We got to camp around 3pm and just chilled for a while. It’s funny to get into camp so early and have the whole afternoon to just hang out, but that’s when the best conversation happens.

The crew enjoying sunset at Wesser Bald fire tower. Ranger, Lady Bug, Kayla, Drew, Chris, Shepard, Butter, Erika, Magic, and Party Dave

We decided to cowboy camp on top of the fire tower to watch the sunset and sunrise, it is unreal so far! The sun is setting now and I feel so at peace and happy.

Our cowboy camping set up for the evening on top of the fire tower

Tomorrow we have a quick hike down to the NOC for a nero and so that means good food and beer. I’m hoping the weather stays nice and the company continues to be great!

The three Asheville gals, we've hiked a lot of miles together and I love them dearly!