Slackpacking Trip - Day 5

Slept well and headed to the trailhead near Wayah Gap (via US-64). Like with other notes from May 2014, my description of the hike in the area said “+/- 0.5 miles N/S of Wayah Road”. I knew my distance was probably off a bit but I had some vague recollections of where I turned around. So I parked where USFS-69 skirted the AT. Headed NOBO at 0830 under a bright blue sky and low 40s. The views through the leaf-less trees were tremendous! I saw some peaks in the distance that had low fog/mist, proving the validly of Smoky Mountains... Despite the seemingly close (and visible) peak, the trail climbed, descended and meandered frustratingly around the area - it took me almost two hours to reach the top (a paved footpath near the parking area). I was beat from that climb, so I asked the first people I met near the tower if they wouldn’t mind taking me back down the mountain. They were a local family out for a day hike and were happy to take me. Had a nice chat with them about the trails in the area and the proper pronunciation of the local names for landmarks (Waw-ya, Nanta-hayla). Was back at my car by 1030 and faced with a chance to make the best of the extra time, decided to reposition to the Wayah Crest Trailhead. I climbed Siler Bald, up to the Shelter there, and was back at my car by noon. Hiked nearly 7 miles, some of it definitely retread distance and felt great. Didn’t see any wildlife or people (other than the Trail Angels) but definitely made progress cleaning up the sections in this part of NC. Headed back to Franklin for lunch (at Hardees) and to wrap up some stuff for work. Renewed my hotel for a few more days.  Walked to the Lazy Hiker Brewery for two flights (10 small drinks) of beer (finished at 2000).  AT Today = 4.70 miles / G.T. AT = 1005.36 miles