Date: 2013-05-04
From: Apple Orchard Campsite

To: Greasy Creek Hostel
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: light rain

May the fourth be with you.I did my normal morning routine and broke camp just before 9am. I had planned to do about 13 miles to the Roan High Knob shelter. At 6,200 feet it's the highest shelter on the AT. The weather is supposed to turn tomorrow with lots of rain and wind, so I had second thoughts about staying at that elevation.Immediately the hike was cold and extremely windy and I wore my rain jacket as a wind block. My pack cover was on as a precaution against unexpected rain, but it wasn't tied on and I was fearful the wind would rip it off my pack.Just before the turn off for the Greasy Creek Hostel, Paul caught up with me and asked if I knew anything about the hostel. I said I only knew what the guide book stated and hadn't heard that any other hikers were planning to stop. He said he was going to check it out solely because of the predicted bad weather. When I reached the turn off I took a packs off break. I considered my upcoming camping options and the pros and cons of staying at the hostel. I recalled how wet I got while hiking in last Sunday's rain and that it took my boots two days to fully dry. I wasn't eager for a repeat.As I sat there I decided to skip the hostel and keep hiking. Right about then Paul came up from the turn off. He said he had changed his mind and I said I was still considering my options. Neither of us had a solid weather forecast so we convinced each other to check out the hostel and perhaps get a weather report, knowing we could still get back on the trail.When we got to the hostel other hikers reported it was a good place. They were watching movies and hanging out. I grabbed a soda and a seat and considered my options for another hour. While perusing the hostel log I saw many familiar names including Violet, Canadian Bacon, Zen Master, Blue, Vagabond, Camel, Captain Dan, and Tom. Finally I gave in and committed to spending the night. I figured I could catch up on journals, since I was behind about 9 days, stay dry, and enjoy a warm bed. Paul committed to a pint of Ben and Jerry's, and eventually committed to a night.Indeed I journaled for most of the afternoon and felt satisfied with my progress. In the late afternoon Outside Dog decided to trim his Mohawk and I volunteered to do the job. Afterwards I used the clippers to cut my own hair and then showered up. According to the hostel's scale I'd lost thirty lbs. While that's probably generous it felt good to know the lbs are coming off.In the early evening I watched "Bourne Identity" on my tablet. I realize it's an oldie but I'd never seen it. Two hostel guests and thru hikers from last year took dinner orders from the local cafe. I ordered a bacon double cheeseburger, as did most of the hikers, with fries and a milk shake. The burger was only $6 and it was definitely the BIGGEST and best burger I've had on the trail. While talking with the two guests they reported it took them nearly 7 months to thru hike last year. That made me feel better about my pace since at the moment the miles are going by slowly.In the end it didn't rain all day. I went to bed with a full stomach and content with my day's work and decision to stay.