AT Thru Hike 2024 Day 16: Cold Spring Shelter to the NOC

[@KarenInGA2028]

My favorite piece of gear also but I don't use straps on my hiking poles anymore. I took them off because coming down from the Jump Off on that descent into the NOC, I slipped in some mud (we'd had 4 days of rain) and fell backwards. My first instinct was to throw my hands behind me to stop the fall. My hiking pole, attached to my wrist, came up and whacked me across the face resulting in a black eye that took a week to clear up! Still my favorite piece of gear but now when I fall my poles go free and don't hit me across the face. I'm loving your adventure. You have great commentary.

[@WaffleHikes]

This year I’ve been extremely conscious about unstrapping in severely unstable territory.

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

I should cut my straps, that's a great idea. I never use them for fear of falling and getting tangled up in them. Great tip

[@sulj3373]

That little boy with trekking poles was too cute.😊❤

[@susankaempfer8427]

Ah, the NOC. Loved the food, HATED the facilities. Thanks for the views! My hubz gets vertigo really badly with heights so we plan our day hikes carefully 😆

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

My poles are my everything. I totally agree with you!!! You both paid with hard work for those views. Good work and good thing you're experienced.

[@DaleGraham-m2x]

Great video. Wonderful views!

[@billymitchell214]

Those are some high class digs at the NOC aren't they. We had groups of young kids on either side and their chaperones were louder than the kids. We ended up camping in the hobo campground by the river. The burger and breakfast the next morning made it all worth it.

[@chrishastings9926]

Awesome views today. That trek down was crazy steep. The NOC is tied with Max Patch as my favorite spot in NC. Rivers End has the best pizza I've had in NC too. Safe journey to both of you and God bless you both too.

[@adventuremanitoba]

I remember that long down hill into NOC and wishing for some up hill. Definitely hard on the knees for us older guys! This is were I first met your better half as well! Your doing great!

[@WaffleHikes]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[@williamking4316]

I am sure that climb is worth the view!! You are correct on the right way to use the Trekking poles, I tried to help people on the trails I hike to show them the correct way to use them, and it saves on your knees and balance and falls. 45 dollars for a steak Noooooo!!! I don't blame for not doing that!! Great video! Thanks for carrying us along! Happy Trails!!

[@WaffleHikes]

In retrospect, I think the $45 steak was a little farther up the trail, but the NOC restaurant was a bit pricy!

[@maryellenself8957]

My fav piece of gear is my trekking poles….couldn’t and won’t hike with them. I am watching the video that you revealed that is your favorite piece of gear as well. Enjoy watching your and Hawkeye’s hiking 🥾 journey! Hike on!

[@robertschillo1952]

I was a marathon runner before my AT hike with approx 25 marathons. I never got shin splints with all that running but I got them on that descent into the NOC. Took weeks to get over them. You guys did great.

[@WaffleHikes]

Glad that is behind us. There are some similar downhills in the Smokikes.

[@celenasherrill1455]

You both are doing great. I guessed right, trekking poles are so important. I only day hike, but love my poles. Especially the older my knees get.

[@WaffleHikes]

Don’t leave home without them!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Great job guys! What a great way to end the day at the NOC.

[@WaffleHikes]

The accommodations were sparse, but comfortable.

[@LittleRascalCrafts]

Love my poles for the same reason. But when it’s cold in the tent, my favorite gear then is a good sleep system. 😂

[@WaffleHikes]

I forgot to mention that my poles are the support for my tent, but I wouldn’t leave home without them.

[@bokehbabe]

My trekking poles have always been my favorite piece of gear. Absolutely a must!

[@WaffleHikes]

Totally agree!

[@andy1moore]

your favorite gear item is Darn Tough socks

[@WaffleHikes]

Odd - I have calf-length darn tough, but for my summer socks, I prefer Smart Wool.

[@pcrice-lr2dn]

Great job ,glad you had good weather,the tower was worth it….beautiful views 🌿🍃

[@WaffleHikes]

Thanks for following along!

[@marshalldunbar9158]

I guessed correctly!

[@WaffleHikes]

Winner, winner!

[@sallieeure7674]

Still pretty sure it’s trekking poles

[@WaffleHikes]

Correct!

[@HikingWithWhiskers]

Awesome job! The “Jump Off” section was definitely challenging & rewarding!! Welcome to the NOC!🥾🥾😎🏕️

[@WaffleHikes]

Yes it was!