Date: 2006-03-16
From: DEEP GAP SHELTER

To: HIAWASSEE
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: light rain

PACI'S PIZZARIACrawling out of the warm, cozy sleeping bag wasn't as difficult as usual this morning. There's nothing like a hot shower and pizza for motivation. It is a short 3.5 miles down to HWY 76, then our first hitch-hike into town. U-Haul asked if we would mind that he catches a ride with us into town. Of course we don't mind; it will be fun.Mudflap and U-Haul were still packing and talking with the other men in camp when I was ready to get moving, so we agreed that I would go ahead and then wait for them at the road. It felt liberating walking alone in the woods. I actually prefer it. I stopped to take pictures when I felt like it. I could take in the views for as long as I wanted without checking with another person. I was more observant of my surroundings on my own.When HWY 76 was a few hundred feet away I waited on a log for the men to show up. Before long, we were out there, thumbs to wind, waiting for a ride to take us the 11 miles to town. Actually, Mudflap purchased a bandana that on one side says "HIKER TO TOWN" and on the other side says "HIKER TO TRAIL". We felt kind of ridiculous, but lo and behold, the 5th car to pass, a small red SUV, slowed down as it passed and turned around to pick us up.The driver was Jim Dobbs, an artist. He was an older gentleman whose wife had recently passed away. They painted together for 41 years. He obviously loved her and missed her much. Mr. Dobbs was kind enough to drop us off at the front door of the Holiday Inn Express. We felt out of place as we walked into the immaculate lobby. Mudflap and I were checking in for the night, but U-haul just wanted to pay the $5.00 extra person fee to use our shower. They told him not worry about the five dollars and proceeded to inform us of all their services and conveniences provided for hikers here. They will shuttle you back to the trail for a reasonable fee, there is a computer with Internet service in the lobby, bicycles - free of charge for hikers - to use in town and I'm sure I'm forgetting something; what a place. The room here is one of the nicest I've seen. The drawback: the only pizza place in Hiawassee is several miles away and they don't deliver. Shucks, U-Haul and I had been dreaming of the toppings we would order.After much needed showers we headed out to go to the post office, grocery store, hardware store, outfitters, and a restaurant. We discussed going to the steak house after all our errands were completed, but as we stepped out onto the sidewalk in front of the hotel, we smelled it: FRIED FOOD! We immediately ducked into the Hardees right there and scarfed down bacon burgers, Swiss mushroom burgers, curly fries and sodas. Whew! That hit the spot. Luckily, all the places we needed to go were within easy walking distance.After buying what is probably too much food for the next four days, we went back to our room. U-Haul collected his pack and headed off for a shuttle to the Blueberry Patch Hostel. We did our laundry, made some phone calls and before we knew it, it was time for dinner. So we left to go to the local steakhouse. As we crossed the parking lot of the strip mall next door, we saw the sign: PACI'S PIZZARIA. What? Where did that come from??? We walked over to see if it was open. The lights were on and people were in there finishing up the last touches of construction. Mudflap inquired "Are you open?" "Tomorrow" came the reply. "Oh man! We missed it by one day", I bemoaned. We told them we were thru-hikers and assured them they will do a great business here during hiking season. Then Phillip, the guy we were talking to outside said "Hey, you hungry, you want pizza? Hey Sal, make these guys a pizza. What do you want, cheese, pepperoni, spinach, what?" It was great, we had a beautiful 16-inch pepperoni pizza; the first ever to come from the shiny new oven at Paci's Pizzaria. We took pictures with owners Sal and Linda. We also took a picture of the premier pizza extraordinaire. We wished each other luck in our respective pursuits, then went back to go sleep in our comfy hotel bed.