Date: 2013-04-01
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

Once again I woke up to hear a steady rain in the middle of the night. Although unlike last night, this time I was in my tent. And it was more of a downpour rather than a steady rain. Listening to the rain totally played to my insecurities, because I'd never had the chance to field test my tent in the rain.I'm happy to report that my tent worked well. I woke up and was dry... always a good thing. I guess I can check off "tent in rain" from by backpacker's list of insecurities.The mice at the shelter were bold and brazen. I'd hung my food bag on the bear cables, brought most of my belongings into my tent, closed my backpack and left the rain cover on, and finally hung my pack from a nail under the overhang of the shelter. This morning while packing up I opened my pack and found a great pile of shredded leaves and tissue. You know, I really don't like mice.Fueled by the thought of only 13 mostly downhill miles until Hot Springs, I was on the trail by 7:30 a.m. The big climb of the day came right away, and I was finally able to get a cell signal to call John at the summit of Bluff Mountain.After talking with him, I spent much of the day walking downhill. Of course, this being the AT, there were some lovely climbs sprinkled into the mix. As the morning wore on, I realized that I should be careful what I wish for. Although walking downhill provides a great respite for the lungs, it really wreaks havoc on the feet (and more specifically your toes) over extended periods.We finally walked into Hot Springs at 12:45 and were so glad to be on level ground at last. Hot Springs is basically a one street town (much like Bristol, VT) that contains everything a hiker needs. First stop was Elmer's Sunnybank Inn, a place I'd read about and Infinity had highly recommended. Elmer was sitting on the back porch varnishing some strips of wood, and we learned he had space for Chino and me. Two thumbs up for Elmer's... a Victorian home built in 1840 and very comfortable. Elmer and his staff serve vegetarian dinners and breakfasts, and we're signed on for the breakfast. He also has a friendly dog named Jimmy Carter - what's not to like about that?First was a shower, next was hanging my tent on the clothesline out back, and then down two blocks to the laundromat. While my laundry was in the washer I strolled across the street to the outfitter's, where I bought a snack and a long handled spork (to replace the one I left behind in GA).Next stop was the public library, although between the laundromat and library I got waylaid by PB and J at the tavern. They were waiting for their meal and I sat and had a coke with them. I've been with PB for the last 3 nights and I'll be sad to see she and her husband move on tomorrow since I'm taking two zero days (more on that tomorrow).I digress. On to the library for free WiFi access. This is clearly Verizon country, and my AT&T phone doesn't get a signal here. From there it was back to Elmer's to drop the clean clothes, and finally to the Smoky Mountain Diner (conveniently located across the street) with Chino for excellent burgers (sorry Lisa).After that it was time for a visit to Dollar General (conveniently located next to the diner) to pick up essential thru hiker items. I'll let you imagine what these might be. And at last, back to Elmer's, right across the street. A bunch of hikers have checked in since we arrived earlier today. I'm the token woman in the group, and I'm waiting for John to arrive (that's why I have two zero days ahead) in a couple of hours. All in all, a good day.Today's highlight: being in this lovely town!