Date: 2008-04-30
To: Hot Springs.
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: clear sky

Just before leaving this morning, "Slow Barbara" thanked me for looking after her last night like a big brother. You see, When she arrived yesterday, she was exhausted and very cold. She didn't even have the energy to eat and just went straight to bed.I convinced her to eat something, Topshelf shared some of his meal with her.Eventually she started to come around and I saw her smile for the first time.Welcome back to the living.Since it was a short 3.2 miles into Hot Springs I took more time going down hill to ease the throbbing pain in my knee. Coming down the mountain brought us straight into Hot Springs. The trail actaully goes through town and Bronze AT plaques are set in the sidewalk every so often.Naturally, food was everyone's first agenda. We came upon the Smoky Mountain Diner. There were pegs to hang your packs along the exterior wall of the diner. A good indication of being Hiker Friendly. In fact it was owned by a previous Thru-hiker. The food was excellant and just in time.After finishing, I needed to find a place to stay. It seemed only natural to follow tradition and stay at Elmer's. It was across the street, how convenient. Along the way, I ran into Rawhide & Maverick, Zeke & OHM just coming into town.They had a tale to tell. They stayed at the Walnut Mountain Shelter last night.Everyone there had their Bear Bags taken & torn apart by none other than a Bear! It's nightly raids have been communicated up and down the trail for several days. Rawhide showed me his cooking pan with teeth marks punctured through. Fortunately however, as he put it, the Bear didn't touch our coffee or our dip (tobacco). If you knew Rawhide & Maverick then you would know these two items were their life support essentials. I remember passing this shelter yesterday. There were 3 guys from Florida, Non hikers and mostly strung out at the time. There were bags of garbage laying around, it was disgusting. I learned several people contacted various authorities and they were evicted from the shelter the next day. Oh well, time to finally meet Elmer. I have read about him in many other journals. I was shown my room upstairs and would be sharing it with Powder River. The house was Victorian all right with antiques and many other eclectic items. There was a well stocked library, unfortunately reading from his selections would take longer than I could stay. It was a comfortable and a feel right at home place. It felt good to be here. Upon settling in, I went right into tending my chores. Shower, Laundry, Outfitter, Dollar General and a small grocery store for my resupply. Although Sprite & Freckles were staying at the Spa at the other end of town, they came by to have dinner along with Chi Chi, Tracy & their girls. These Trail Angels are back again! I still haven't forgot Newfound Gap in the Smokys.The gang was rounded up and we had dinner back at the diner. Springloaded payed for my dinner as a birthday present. Thanks buddy, I really appreciated that. Afterward we walked down to the pub, had some drafts and shot a little pool. Tomorrow we will be taking our second zero day.After heading back to Elmers, I talked with Banjo & Gideon whom were leaving in the morning. I was extra happy today as I was finally able to contact my daughter Karly on the phone for the first time since I had left.I explained some important & personal things with her that I couldn't do before I left. It was the best medicine to hear her voice. I wish I could share this entire experience with her. Goodnight Little Darlin!I was unable to sleep as this poison Ivy was really itching the @$#&! out of me. I got up and Topshelf came rambling in. We sat outside on the balcony. He offered me some Moonshine he had acquired in town. I had a sip,mmmm good apple taste, goes down smooth. No, I don't want anymore, better not! I won't disclose from which local politician he obtained this from, however I will say, I can see why he was elected and stays in office.It's late now, way past hiker midnight, way,way past.That pillow is calling my name. Goodnight Brother.