March 29 - 16 / 151 miles

I am in a shelter tonight so I am going to keep it brief. It is the first time that I have actually stayed in a shelter.

Last night we ended up staying on a NOC's buildings porch, and it was one of the best nights if sleep I have gotten. As we were waking up NOC employees started to arrive. None of them really said anything to us. Jilie and Skylar stayed on another porch and awoke to cupcakes beside their head.

The morning was about 6 or 7 miles straight up. It ended up not being that bad of a climb, but my right shin started to bother me. It got worse as the day went on. I now have a pretty good knot/inflammation on it. I don't know what shin splits are, but I think I have a pretty bad one. I am going to try to make the 12 or so miles into Fontana tomorrow. I might have to re-evaluate there on what to do (i.e. keep hiking, take another zero, or get a ride to a doctor). Yes, I said doctor as I think it is that bad.

Tonight, I was cooking dinner when two guys showed up. They introduced themself as Wazi and Short Stack. I have actually been waiting to meet them. Wazi and I share a mutual friend Margaret. She had been telling each of us about the other. I spoke with Wazi for a little bit. I don't think after tonight I will really see him. Short Stack is only with him for two weeks and they are trying to get to Clingman's Dome in the Smokies before he has to leave. They are already to the same spot as us and started three days after.

Also at the shelter tonight is Mike. He rolled out early yesterday, but ended up having to take it slow due to some ailments. I'm glad that we are getting to hang out with him again.

Before going tonight, I meant to mention a few folks Michelle and I met while eating dinner in Bryson City. One of the ladies asked about my shoes as I was wearing my five fingers. They are shoes with individual toe slots. Anyway, I spoke with them for a few minutes, and they asked questions about the trail. It was fun. I got their names, but left the sheet of paper with Michelle. I hope they get a chance to read the blog. I'll try to get their names later.

Have a good night and keep my shin and others' ailments in your thoughts tonight. I don't want it to hold me back or keep me from hiking with the people I have been hiking with.