Slackpacking Trip - Day 8

Had an overcast day - first one since last weekend. Temps were the same, though, and it never rained while I was on the trail. Got a gas fillup at Hot Spot in Franklin (0805) and then breakfast at McDonalds (0810).  Left town after breakfast (0815) and took US-64 to get back to Wayah Road again. This time, I used it to get to a remote gravel road (on the north side of Nantahala Lake) - arrived at the trailhead in Burningtown Gap by 0915. Started NOBO, bound for Cold Spring Shelter (where I turned around on Thursday). Immediately encountered six hikers: Ridgerunner with his son, trail runner and three buddies on a weekend hike. Didn’t talk to them much but ended up talking to two more NOBO section hikers before I was done with my climb - one passed me and the other didn’t catch me before I backtracked. On the way back to the Gap, I saw a guy I recognized from Thursday - he wasn’t actually thru hiking, like I thought, but was prepping for hiking the PCT (West coast). From there, I hiked all the way to Wayah Bald. I only passed two other hiker pairs (one male and one female with loaded pack dog) as I made my way up the steeper side of the hill. I had all the work I could want in the climb: rocky and lots of roots. Startled a deer who bolted across the trail, right in front of me. Views of the Blue Ridge and Smokies were stunning in the dull light. When I made it to the tower, I enjoyed a full 270 degree panorama that included several peaks I still have to climb and others I’ve finished. There were several people at the summit (just for the view), so I didn’t tarry. I made great time getting back to my car - eight straight days on the trail clearly improved my stamina, endurance and determination! Encountered the three hiking buddies again (they’d stopped at one of the shelters while I never took a break). Finished my day in the area at 1415 after 12 miles. Felt good but was sad to leave for NoVA... Took the scenic route to US-19/74 and returned to Elizabethton via I-40, I-26 and US-321. Got a room at Travelers Inn in Elizabethton (1715) again.  Headed back to Amigo Mexican Restaurant for dinner, margaritas and football (finished at 1905).  One more day of this epic hiking trip left - gonna make it pay! AT Today = 5.90 miles / G.T. AT = 1024.77 miles