Betty Creek Gap. Mile 97.6

Left Standing Indian Shelter for Betty Creek Gap 11.4 miles away. The weather has warmed a bit and made good time. Trail gossip is the weather is going to take a wet, cold and snowy turn. Going to try to make Franklin NC to avoid the worst of the weather and get my pack repaired or replaced. It rained hard in the early morning and had to break camp in down pour. Generally a miserable experience. Cold, foggy with a light rain most of the day. The assent up Mount Albert involved many steep, rocky paths. My major concern was slipping on the wet boulders. Made it without falling. Hiked most or the day in a bear sanctuary. Perhaps weaker hikers are a treat for the protected bears. Have not seen any bears yet. Fine with me.