April 18

Trail town

So glad to get a spot in the shelter last night.  Nothing like putting on wet underwear, socks, shirt, shorts, and shoes in the morning.  Got a late start.  Wrapped up in cooking a long breakfast, of oatmeal and coffee, and talking with Truckin'.  2 shelters away would make a 15 mile day.  The allure of pushing on to Hot Springs was in the back of our minds though.  I saw an awesome red salamander on the trail today and got a good picture.  Rain, rain, and more rain.  We took a break at one point during the day, sitting on a couple of wet logs, rain still  coming down, and I thought even in this weather, I'm still loving the simplicity of the trail.  Had a big climb up Bluff Mountain, followed by a big down of course, and rolled past Deer Park Mountain shelter with plenty of daylight left.  As we descended down the mountain into town, we could start to see glimpses of houses, and could hear town noises.  Our pace quickened.  Totally soaked, feet hurting, knees starting to hurt from the serious downhill.  Every time we thought we were coming in to town, the trail would double back around another hill.  Finally we stepped foot on pavement.  There's a new hostel right at the trailhead, which we heard good things about.  The trail in Hot Springs goes right through downtown.  There's stone "AT" markers right on the sidewalk.  We checked in to the Iron Horse Station, which was a fantastic hotel and restaurant.  Very plush by any standards, and much more than what a hiker was used to.  Got an outstanding double burger at the tavern across the street, and some good local beer.  So far the NC beers on this trip have been great when I've had a chance to sample them.  Hot shower, and comfortable bed, and planning to take a zero tomorrow.

My room the Iron Horse Station.