Date: 2010-04-17
From: Roaring Forks Shelter

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

April 17, 2010I packed up as quickly as possible because it started to sprinkle again. The Brits seem to rise about the same time as me but are always on the trail way ahead of me. I had my coffee, and had a short visit with the other hikers who spent the night in the shelter.I hit the trail and replenished my water supply right after leaving the shelter. Then it happened. The first time I missed a turn and got of the trail. It was in rhododendron and near a dirt road. I have learned that when the trail is near a road that many access trails are beaten down and look just like the trail. When I realized that there were no blazes to be seen, I backtracked and met two other hikers who had made the same mistake. I learned the importance of backtracking the hard way on the Black Forest Trail the hard way in Pennsylvania. I went back down to the stream and found a blaze and saw the double blaze I had missed. I was back on the trail. My plan was to hike to Deer Park shelter and camp and head into Hot Springs the next day. I arrive at the shelter and realized I had hiked 15 miles instead of the 12 I had planned. The gap was 12 miles but the shelter was 15. It was 5pm and the water source was extremely far from he shelter area.The Flying Scotsman decided to trek on into Hot Springs since it was only 3 miles and mostly down hill. I had reservations at the Duckett House but I was two days ahead of schedule and I did not April 17, 2010 notI packed up as quickly as possible because it started to sprinkle again. The Brits seem to rise about the same time as me but are always on the trail way ahead of me. I had my coffee, and had a short visit with the other hikers who spent the night in the shelter.I hit the trail and replenished my water supply right after leaving the shelter. Then it happened. The first time I missed a turn and got of the trail. It was in rhododendron and near a dirt road. I have learned that when the trail is near a road that many access trails are beaten down and look just like the trail. When I realized that there were no blazes to be seen, I backtracked and met two other hikers who had made the same mistake. I learned the importance of backtracking the hard way on the Black Forest Trail the hard way in Pennsylvania. I went back down to the stream and found a blaze and saw the double blaze I had missed. I was back on the trail. My plan was to hike to Deer Park shelter and camp and head into Hot Springs the next day. I arrive at the shelter and realized I had hiked 15 miles instead of the 12 I had planned. The gap was 12 miles but the shelter was 15. It was 5pm and the water source was extremely far from he shelter area.The Flying Scotsman decided to trek on into Hot Springs since it was only 3 miles and mostly down hill. I had reservations at the Duckett House but I was two days ahead of schedule and and I did not know if they would have a room for me. I got cell service and found one was available but lost call before I could confirm it. I shouldered my pack headed for Hot Springs. I decided to take my chances because a hot shower and a cold ale were calling my name. I ran into The Flying Scotsman. I passed him and told him I would see him in Hot springs.Once in Hot Springs, I was able to call Duckett house and confirm the room. The owner said he had to run errands and to see Steve another hiker who would show me to my room. I met Steve and he showed me to my room. I set things down and asked Steve if anyone could drive me to get some food and ale. He said he could, said he had already had a couple of beers himself and did not want to drive. He asked me if I had a driver¢s license and asked if I had been drinking. I told him I did have driver¢s license and of course had not been drinking. He gave me directions and handed me the keys to his car. He said be careful that the steering was very responsive because it was a beemer. Only on the AT would another hiker hand the keys to their BMW over knowing you for a whole 15 minutes. Steve¢s trail name is Dr. Evil. Thank you Dr. Evil. I got my ale and ordered food at the Rock Bottom. I can not say enough good things about the Rock Bottom in Hot Springs NC. The food and service were top notch. The waitresses were attractive, friendly and attentive.