We all woke up early and headed to Winding Stair Gap. We were trying to catch a shuttle that ran daily from the Gap to Franklin North Carolina. The hike was not especially difficult. We arrived at the Gap before lunch and waited for the shuttle. We planned to stay in Franklin over night and return to Winding Stair to resume the hike the next morning.

There is a well known AT Hiker Outfitter in Franklin. The guys working there are known for giving good advice to thru hikers. I needed new shoes, my feet were increasingly sore and bruised. Several of my toenails were bleeding by then. I knew I had to do something different before I developed serious foot problems.

I bought some new shoes, washed my clothes, and resupplied my food for the next three days. That evening we went to the Lazy Hiker Brewery and listened to some live music. I looked forward to sleeping on a level bed.