Franklin, NC

Gipc Girl's headlamp flickered from side to side as we left the shelter in the dark at 7:15am, bundled up against the light mist that was falling.  I was following as I don't carry a headlamp, only a small squeeze light to read by. Soon the light of day was enough to illuminate the trail so Gipc suggested that I move on by and go at my own pace.  The trail was very nice until we reach Mt. Albert.  I recalled that I thought this was my toughest climb in 2000 and it didn't disappoint me today.  The first 1000' or so were a steady climb along the face of the mountain, with the 2' trail all that separated me from a fall of 2000' to the valley below.  The last 500' of the climb were almost straight up, such that I had to put my poles on my pack and lean my hands into the mountain face as I climbed to keep my balance.  Phew, that was a challenge.  At the top was a fire tower that gave an extended view of the mountains of southwestern NC.  Spectacular!
I made it out to Winding Staircase Gap at 12:00 and hitched a ride into Franklin, NC to get cleaned up and re-supply for my next left to Fontana Dam, NC.

Trail miles to date: 107.7