Smankin - Appalachian Trail Journal - 2010

Hot Springs

The smoky mountains have a mind of their own. After returning to trail we did 13 miles in the rain. Once in the shelter I met Phil from Maine (freight train), Charles (Trail runner) and Josh (the animal). We ended up staying with these guys at the hostel a few days later. In the morning, it was still raining and it even began to sleet and snow. There are few things harder than trying to put on cold boots with numb hands and fingers. To whomever I said running has no impact on hiking, I am sorry for lying! Little did I know when it started snowing, raining and hailing that I would take off in full sprint. 3 days ago, Crafty and I did our first 18 mile day in the rain to a hostel called Standing Bear Farm. It was a neat little place that I definitely recommend visiting if you’re in the TN area. We did 15 miles and then another 18 mile day and here we are in Hot Springs, NC but this time we walked here. The past two days I listened to my iPod for the first time. Hiking up and down mountains is starting to become awfully repetitive so I need to work on something to do. Crafty is slower in pace so we don’t hike together during the day but we meet up every night at a shelter or camp site. It is really nice having someone familiar each night after a hard day of hiking. I am learning so much from Crafty! Last night we stayed in an old Victorian house that was made into a hostel. They are all about fresh organic food there. For breakfast we had almond-y waffles, fresh strawberries, homemade granola; it was incredible to put it lightly!

We want to get to Damascus for Trail days, which is a big hiker party, so we hear. We may take a night off and stay for a blue grass festival or keep hiking.

Thanks for the letter Juj. I love you!

Entry 10 of 11
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