Date: 2010-04-15
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Elk Park, NC
Miles today: 9.2

Today is one of those days where you have a solid plan in mind, but you allow yourself to be flexible and amazing things happen! My intentions were not to stop in Elk Park today but to do approximately 18 miles so I could get to the Kincora Hostel tomorrow evening, but plans change! I headed out early again this morning for what I knew would be a pretty easy day. There were a couple decent climbs up Little Hump mountain and Hump mountain with awesome views but the next nearly six miles were completely downhill! It was a little bit cooler today, but the temperature was still very comfortable and the skies clear so I was very content with whatever the trail threw at me for the day.As I approached the Apple Mountain Shelter 9 miles past the barn I decided to walk into Elk Park for lunch then head back out. I only had 8 miles left to hike for the day and it was only noon, so I figured I had plenty of time! Approximately a mile down the road I reached a little upholstery shop with a big border collie who started woofing at us. A lady came out of the shop and asked me if my dog was a border collie and we started talking. I asked her where the nearest place to eat was and she offered my a ride. As I was getting my wallet out she asked if I wanted a shower and if I wanted to throw in a load of laundry, I couldn't believe it! She gave Kelly a snack and some water and I hit the shower. Lunch was at a little cafe in town. I had some teriyaki vegetables and french fries (have had some major french fry cravings lately!)and contentedly full I walked back to the shop. As I entered the room Danette introduced me to her neighbor and told me that I could use the computer if I wished. As I was typing away Danette told me Kelly followed her neighbor to her house so she was there when I needed to pick her up. Around two I headed over to pick her up and head back to the trail but when she offered me a nap on a real bed before I headed out I couldn't refuse. It's amazing how tired you feel after a good shower and good food! It was three thirty before I headed back out but when I got back over to Danette's to pick up my things she offered me a place to stay in her shop for the night and they hauled a matress down for me to sleep on. But things only get better!Danette drove me into town (not Elk Park, but a real town!)and the least I could do was treat her to dinner at Subway. We also stopped by McDonalds to get cheeseburgers for the dogs and she took me to the grocery store where I was able top pick up a few things and pick up some Frosty Paws (doggy ice cream) for the dogs. I also picked up a portable radio so I could listen to the latest music since my ipod was acting funny. We ended up talking about horses and she told me about a friend down the road that had horses and told me she would take me over there for a horse fix After dinner we headed to Sutton Place Farm where Russell and Linda raise thoroughbred horses for race and show. The horses there were absolutely beautiful and well bred. They introduced me to all the horses and Dairy Queen and her little baby colt who was approximately three weeks old and I got to visit with a couple of their stallions (who have a great mind and are extremely well behaved). Derby, an absolutely gorgeous gray stallion had to have been my favorite! He had such a beautiful head and wonderful conformation and was so well mannered. We also said hello to the yearlings and I was able to give another mare who was due to foal in a week a lot of love. It seems like the days on the trail keep getting better and better! Tomorrow i'll be heading out first thing, but tonight Kelly and I are enjoying ourselves.