Date: 2015-03-21
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

3/21, 11 miles, Spring MountainShelterStayed at the Sunnybank Inn last night in Hot Springs. It is a historic rooming house that has hosted thru hikers since Earl Schafer first thru hiked the trail in 1948. I didn't realize it until later but there is a plaque on the door to my room indicating Earl Schafer slept here in 1948 and 1998. I am privileged to be part of AT history. I slept very comfortable, and woke up late since breakfast wasn't until 8:30. Suny ank laid out an all you can eat breakfast with fresh fruit, pancakes, strawberry topping and syrup, cereal, juice, coffee and tea...for SIX DOLLARS! Best bargain so far on the trail. But even with the spread, Elmer and the staff at Sunnybank sit with everyone family style and Elmer tossed out his breakfast question....we shared our name, where we are from and what famous deceased person we would like to hike with. I chose my name correctly, then chose George Washington to hike with. There were twelve around the table and it was very nice as we ate, then sat and relaxed with coffee together as the conversation kept going. We finally broke at 9:30 to get on with the day. My plan was to get my laundry done, grab a couple supplies, pack and get on the trail by 1:00 pm. That meant my time in town was limited to less than 24 hrs which is always my goal...its cheaper that way. While my laundry was going I was reminded it was Saturday, so I was able to spend some time on Face Time with Kathy. We are looking forward to meeting next Saturday when she will pick me up North of Erwin, and bring me back there to spend the evening with my brother and his family. They are passing through on vacation.I finished errands, laundry and packing and was out of Hot Springs by 1:30. I planned to hike 11 miles to the first shelter as did many who left late morning and afternoon. The hike today was perfect, even if it was all uphill. Hot Springs is at about 1300 ft and we hiked over one mountain at 3500, down and back up to the shelter at 3500. I arrived at the shelter at 6:30, all in all a pretty strong day. The weather was sunny and upper 60's so it was actually pretty warm at times. I greeted and thanked a trail maintainer and enjoyed three separate conversations with people considering a thru hike, answering their questions and encouraging them. I have found that thru hikers love to talk others into hiking the trail. My Dad would say misery loves company. In fact, my Dad suggests I am missing some kind of chip in my brain. Like a computer chip that would keep me from doing crazy, uncomfortable things. I prefer to suggest that I actually retain a chip that most people short out when they are growing up. Its the chip every kid has that makes them step in the middle of the puddle, or climb on whatever they can to the highest point. I like to think of it as the "because its there" chip, and most people have suppressed theirs to the extent that they forgot how to live life. Just a thought.I had an hour of daylight to settle in. Most people camped out tonight so I took a spot in the shelter, and will listen to mice run between the roofing layers all night. Nothing new there. Tomorrow many of us are looking at either 15 or 22 miles. I plan to see what time I get to the fifteen and then decide. The days are getting longer so hiking ten hours is not a problem.In closing, a friend asked what was my most unexpected blessing so far. I have two answers. Unexpected blessing would be hiking with Ironman Bill and Just Pete for the first four weeks. Bill's pace to get Pete in shape was exactly what I planned and it worked out great. Today I have hiked off alone to put on some distance before a friend slows my pace for a few days, allowing Bill and Pete to catch me later. They took a zero in Asheville today with friends, and arranged a dinner with Jennifer Pharr. Davis, the record holder for fastest trek over the entire trail. She ran it, supported, in forty some days. But the biggest blessing I have experienced so far is the way my wife has gotten as excited for me to do this as I am. I will expand on that story later, but Kathy is something special. Thank you Babycakes. i love you .Well, all have settled in and my fingers are getting a little cold stiff so for now, thank you for reading.Silverback.