HOT SPRINGS, N.C.

Left Gatlinburg on Monday around 8:30 in the morning trying to hitch a ride back to New Found Gap. The weather was overcast with spotty showers that became more intense the longer I tried to catch a ride. Finally a couple guys stopped and picked me up, took me there after dropping off the guy in the passenger seat who drank whiskey out of the bottle on his way to work in the park. Glad to get out of that car around 11:00. Got on the trail in the rain and made it to Tri Corner Knob Shelter after 15.5 mi of walking either up or down a water ditch. There were other soaked hikers there so I found a dry spot in the shelter, cooked dinner and called it a day. Woke up to cool but sunny sky's. Made breakfast, two honey buns covered in peanut butter with a glass of whole milk. Got packed and back on the trail to Standing Bear Farm. Nice day for the 18.4 mi. The farm was right out of the 60's. A couple hippies that live off the hikers. They have bunkhouse that sleeps 20 a cabin that holds three and a full kitchen and laundry all on the honor system. One if the hippies offerd me some moonshine while I was cooking dinner but I told him he didn't have enough. He didn't understand but walked away. The bunkhouse was full so I stayed in the cabin with two other hikers. Left there the next morning early with clear sky's and sunny forecast. Hiked the 15.1 mi to Roaring Fork Shelter with another older hiker named Grease Spot. When we arrived there were two younger women already there with plans of tenting beside the shelter. They were local section hikers from the area who only came out there to drink and smoke there ganja. Grease spot and I turned in early to allow them there space. The next morning we got up early,ate, packed up and knew we had a long day hiking to make it to Hot Springs 18.0 mi. Got into town around 4 pm, went to the outfitter store to pick up the food box. Thanks Mark M. couldn't do this without your help. Checked around for lodging and ran into Long Haul, an ex army young man who stayed in the cabin at the farm. He told me about Elmer's B/B. What a treat. A Victorian home converted to hostel with individual rooms, queen size beds with 1000ct sheets, library and music room. Elmer cooks all vegetarian meals and the house is beautiful. 

This town revolves around hikers. Yesterday at 6:00 the locals had a huge pot luck dinner at the town hall to feed us for free. What a reception. Home made everything. Can't believe it, eating like a pig and dropped 20lbs already....more to come in the upcoming days. Sorry not able to call, no service just wifi????