Slackpacking Trip - Day 6

Another clear blue sky day! Got an early start, with a gas fillup at Hot Spot in Franklin (0820).  Glad I had some time to melt frost on my windshield while waiting in the Hardees drive thru... Drove about 15 miles north in NC-28 until I found a place to cross the Little Tennessee River. Last night, I did some research to find a route that would cut the Nantahala National Forest wilderness in half and Tellico Road did the trick. The gravel section of the road (up to the Gap) was a little scary - there was only one lane for a narrow car with steep drop offs on both sides (glad I brought Nellie and that I didn’t encounter anyone else). Left from the parking area, headed NOBO, at 0915. The climb up to the observation tower on the Bald wasn’t too bad (lots of switchbacks). Temps started in the low 30s but climbed into the 50s by the end of the day - felt comfortable after shedding my pullover. Saw deer walking slowly and quietly in the ravine (I only noticed them because I stopped to enjoy the silence). Encountered a section hiker and a thru hiker, climbing up from the NOC, and I chatted with each of them for a bit. Continued north, enjoying spectacular views in all directions. There was evidence of last year’s huge forest fire in the area but things were already beginning to grow again. Turned around at “The Jumpoff” (appropriately named, with three sides dropping dramatically away from the trail). While hiking back to the Gap, I started to see a huge number of day hikers - I guess they were making room for a big Thanksgiving meal - and it was so crowded that there wasn’t any parking left when I passed my car! I continued south and eventually couldn’t hear the families and kids anymore... Met a couple of guys (one who was entirely covered in orange, I guess to ward off any hunters) on the outbound leg but soon was alone. The climb up to Rocky Bald was much steeper and I wasn’t sure I’d make it - but the views at the top were worth it. There was a lot of mud on the ridge (melted snow?). After I turned around at Cold Spring Shelter, I met four SOBO thru hikers: one with a French accent, one with a German accent and a couple with their black lab carrying two huge packs. I also saw the thru hiker from the morning filling up his water bottles at one of the many springs on the hill. Made good time back to Tellico Gap and found that everyone had left the lot! Drove back to Franklin at 1615, after nearly 15 miles of hiking. Enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast ("all you can eat" with pie!) at Shoney’s after I cleaned up (finished at 2015). The day was amazing: warm, clear, views, energy in my muscles - couldn’t ask for more! AT Today = 7.40 miles / G.T. AT = 1012.76 miles