Day 29. Hot Springs, NC

Well I probably had the best night sleep so far sleeping near that creek... I was out like a light. The sound of the running creek water and the Hoot Owls knocked me out. I woke up at 0500, packed up my gear and had a Pop Tart breakfast. How Bout and I hiked .7 miles to the summit of Max Patch Bald and waited for the sun to rise over the mountains. The Bald was dark and windy but soon to be worth the effort. The sun tried desperately to break through the clouds. It's reflection cast an eerie blue haze across the horizon. It was truly amazing!!! It almost felt like I was standing on the moon. I watched the sun rise until 0730 and hated to leave...

We continued our hike 2.5 miles to the Roaring Fork Shelter where we had a snack with a Boy Scout Troop from Hickory NC. The boys looked to be having fun. Some on their very first night in the woods. I asked if any saw Bigfoot last night... LOL. When I left the shelter, I reminisced when I was a Boy Scout. I loved the adventure involved, the hiking and camping out, and of course summer camp. I was first introduced to the Appalachian Trail when I was a Police Explorer at the age of 14. A local policeman and friend would take me on weekend trips on the trail. I thought it was the coolest thing at that time. I have been interested ever since and have finally acted on a dream some 33 years later. Thank you Louie...

When I hit Lemon Gap at 6.1 miles, my right knee was killing me and severely swollen. It was difficult to walk. I hitched a ride by the only vehicle that drove by on that dirt forest road. A paramedic from Tennessee happen to be on a Sunday drive and gave How Bout and I a ride to Hot Springs. I missed 13 miles of trail... To avoid further damage.

I checked into Elmer's Sunny Bank Inn, a 150 year old Victorian home. Elmer is iconic to the Appalachian Trail, taking in hikers since 1977. The home is eclectic and a bit spooky with the antiques, candle lit hall ways and adjoining rooms. Elmer claims the ghost of Jane Gentry (song writer) has been seen many times in Room #4. I am in #2... Thank God. Elmer serves a family style vegetarian dinner ever night to hikers. Everyone gathers around the table as Elmer tells the history of his home. It is a very warm and welcoming place. It's awesome for a man to open his home to strangers everyday for the past 36 years.

Before dinner I went to the Hot Springs outdoor spa to soak my battered body and feet. The Spring water is natural to the area. It was awesome and well deserved after walking 273.9 miles. After the spa I went to the local outfitter shop to buy more comfortable boot inserts to help my feet and knees. While I was in there I almost bought a men's kilt to hike in. It was very comfortable and airy but just didn't seem right for me... Lol.

Today I only hiked 6.1 miles, but arrived in Hot Springs.

So far I have hiked 273.9 miles. It's not about the miles, it's about the smiles...