17 March 2014 – 2 days of rain, mud, and hiking in wet shoes. The overnight was spent in the warm, dry, welcoming Aquone Hostel. The proprietor, Wiggy, does a great job keeping the hikers comfortable. So, all in all, it was a good 2 days of hiking.
Today I finished at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) – a cluster of outfitters, cabins, restaurant, bike/kayak rental and general store along the Nantahala River. This area is geared to outdoor adventurists. The accommodations reflect the rugged outdoorsiness of the potential occupants. Not a good thing.
My new shoes fit well. Even hiking 14 miles in sopping wet kicks, I have no new blisters and the ones I had are no worse. I think I have the blister issue fixed.
Current Location: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), Bryson City, NC
Current Map Location:
http://goo.gl/maps/8ppcR
Miles Hiked: 137.3
Miles Remaining: 2048.0
Tom's 2014 Appalachian Trail Hike 
I’ve spent a lot of time upside down at the NOC… and mountain biking in nearby Tsali. You’ll need to get back down there again in the future (when you’re not in the middle of a 2,100 mile walk-in-the-woods).
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Agree. I would love to try the kayak course but there’s no time on this visit. I’ll be back.
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Love your updates, Tom! Have a good hike today!
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Love the updates as well, Tom! You might never feel alone if you know we are all watching, wondering, imagining your hiking, day after day! Keep bright; we are here!
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Thank you for the kind words. I will try to not disappoint!
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Thanks for the support!
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I may not write every day, but I do READ every day. I look forward to learning about the challenges and successes! Can’t wait for reunion and hearing more stories!!
CG
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Glad you’re tracking, Chris!
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Hi Tom – for some reason the email Rebecca sent us to follow you ended up in our junk mail. So glad to hear about how things are going and we look forward to following you! Keep those tootsies happy and healthy! We’ll connect with Rebecca to see when she will be meeting with you. Stay safe and keep us apprised! – Kathy, Andy, Katey & Dale
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Thanks for checking in!
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Thanks, guys! Glad you’re tracking.
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