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Monday–April 12, 2021
Trail Day–052
Trail Mile–9.9/532.6
Location–Wayah Bald, then to Chica & Sunsets Hostel, Franklin, North Carolina
Another up-at-5:30 morning. Stanley goes for coffee from the lobby while I begin sorting through my 
bounce box. I picked it up yesterday at Outdoor 76 and will be sending it on to Laughing Heart Hostel in Hot Springs, two weeks on up the trail.
A run by McDonald’s drive through and we’re on our way back to Winding Stair Gap where Stanley picked me up yesterday. I get my pack up, then linger. Time to say goodbye to Stanley. He’s heading back toward Alabama today. Your support (and personal trainer advice) has been such a great benefit–thanks Stanley!
More climbing today, 5,000 feet elevation change up and over Siler Bald, then Wayah Bald. An abundance of rocks and roots slows my pace considerably. Yet I get the 10 in by two. Chica and her friend, Karen, have driven up the mountain to fetch me, then take me back to Chica & Sunsets Hostel in Franklin.
It’s been a perfect hiking day. To finish at Wayah fire tower, just a special time. The old tower is a neat structure, but nothing in comparison to the Flagg Mountain tower.
At the parking lot, folks are here handing out trail magic. I stop by their table a minute to meet them and get
a bowl of their homemade soup. Chris Bullis, Laurel Holland, Jan Berryhill–thanks for your kindness to our hiker community!
Three things in human life are important.
The first is to be kind.
The second is to be kind.
And the third is to be kind.
(Henry James)
