Date: 2013-03-30
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I had packed everything I could last night to be ready to catch the 9 a.m. shuttle from the Budget Inn. "Shuttles," the driver, told me he would be able to drop me off at the Blueberry Patch Hostel on the way to Dick's Creek. After a breakfast of oatmeal and fresh fruit, it was a quick dash to the Subway (conveniently located next to the Budget Inn) to get a chopped chicken salad for dinner as I knew there were no eateries near the hostel. The hostel is very nice (see pictures) and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the bunks have mattresses! After the hostel in Suches, I expected just a plywood board to put my sleeping bag on. I should sleep well tonight! I had thought that I would go straight to bed when I got here, but that didn't happen. When I walked in, who should greet me, but Serenitina! She was going to town, so we would catch up later. Gutsy and her husband, Odometer, were the only other people here. They are staying an extra night at the hostel to attend Easter services the next day before they headed south to Amicalola Falls to retrieve their car. What an interesting couple! They both have a lot of hiking experience, and stories! Gary let me know that if I had laundry to be done, he would be collecting it soon, so I needed to get everything washable gathered! Next on my "To Do" list was to go through my mail drop box. I had mailed a box to the hostel that contained "town" supplies; stuff I didn't want to carry, but would like to have on a nero/zero day. I would then send it to the next town where I planned to spend the night. Although, with the weather I was spending a lot more days in town! I also needed to plan my next hiking days and organize meals. I like to have my meals and snacks for the day all packed into a gallon Ziploc bag that I then put in the lid of my backpack. I don't have to dig through my food bag looking for something to eat at each meal or worry about not having enough food. It may take a little more work this way, but it's less hassle for me on the trail. In chatting with Gutsy and Odometer this afternoon, I mentioned how the sternum strap on my pack had come apart at the stitching. The next thing I knew, Gutsy had her needle and thread out and was sewing it back together! Amazing! Trail Magic at the hostel! Gary returned with Serenitina and brought a group hikers from his run to Dick's Creek: Tommy, Kelly, Gracie, Collin and Katy. No one had trail names, yet! Check the pictures out to see the before and after of the bunk room. First thing on the agenda when you come off of the trail...a shower! Then, FOOD. Plans were made for dinner with some of the group going into town and others sharing in a communal meal. Gutsy had made a pot of soup from items she had and from the hiker box. The chicken salad I had gotten was huge and perfect for sharing. Serenitina had gotten bread and cheese, so we were set for a great meal! Everyone has returned from town now. All packs have been reorganized, and readied for tomorrow. The rain has started. I plan to attend services after the famous Blueberry Hostel breakfast, and then it's back to the Trail. Thankful for a lovely hostel and friendly hikers! One more day on the AT!