View from The Jumpoff
Location: Nantahala Outdoor Center / Dogwood Cabin (137.4 miles)

It was cold this morning, and we were all kind of lethargic getting going, but we all eventually managed to escape from the cocoon of our sleeping bags and turn into the beautiful trail butterflies we were meant to be.

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View from Wesser Bald Observation Tower
Location: Wesser Bald Shelter (131.4 miles)

Last night, apparently there were two groups of coyotes circling the shelter calling out to each other. I say apparently, because despite the incredible amount of tossing and turning I did, I never heard a thing.

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Trail Magic
Location: Burningtown Gap (124.4 miles)

Thanks so much to the Burningtown Baptist Church for some morning trail magic. Biscuits, sausage, cookies, brownies, and other snacks.

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Wayah Bald Tower
Location: Wayah Bald Shelter (120.8 miles)

After another fine free breakfast at the First Baptist Church, got the 9 am shuttle back to the trail.

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Franklin Baptist Church Hikers Breakfast
Location: Franklin, NC (109.8 miles)

Thursday was mostly low-key. Woke up around 7 for free breakfast (pancakes and bacon) by the First Baptist Church of Franklin, NC, who gives free food to hikers every morning for about a month during the NOBO bubble. Went back to Motor Company Grill for another burger, got a free shuttle to the local Wal-Mart for resupply (I almost certainly have way too much food right now, but more snacks I can eat during the day, so I should be in better condition by the time I make it to camp.)

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