Date: 2005-02-15
From: Miss Janet's

To: Miss Janet's - Day Two
Miles today: 0.0

Today is Tuesday, 2/15/05.Just spent my first night at Miss Janet's. Due to all the commotion with Mountain Man and Mountain Dew, I haven't had the opportunity to go into much detail about Erwin and Miss Janet's place. Let me do that, now.For those of you who are going to be hiking northbound, and opt to go into Erwin, you have a town probably the largest since Franklin, NC. When you come up on the Nolichucky River bridge, at the town's outskirts, you will see "Uncle Johnny's" Hostel right in front of you. A lot of you may know about the "past problems" between Johnny and Miss Janet. If you don't, you can read about it elsewhere. Johnny's place was not technically open when I got into town on 2/12 - but you can call a posted phone number and he will come get you and set you up staying with him.As I have mentioned in an earlier journal page, I opted to stay at the Holiday Inn Express the first night. Then I contacted Miss Janet and she picked me up and shuttled me back to her place. The distance from the river bridge to "downtown" Erwin is a bit less than 4 miles - so it can be also hiked or hitched. I never had any trouble from any of the town folk - unlike some past problems in the years past that other hikers have reported. On the other hand, I don't imagine the Erwin authorities would appreciate it much to see a thru-hiker "following the white blazes" through the town, while actually being drunk and walking down the middle of a street - actually following the painted-white dash lane dividers! (I have heard that is a true story).If you do stay at Miss Janet's on Elm Street, you will be in easy walking distance to about everything you will need. A couple of blocks to the post office and library (has high-speed internet; 10:30am to 5:30pm daily - closed Sundays). There are a number of fast-food places (Sonic and Mickie D's); a Huddle House for all-day breakfast; a Burrito Factory; etc. Less than a mile to a Food Lion/CVS Pharmacy/Radio Shack - all in the same location. There is also a YMCA; movie theater (two screens, only open Thursday through Sunday); and convenience stores that sell beer and wine. If you want liquor you will have to hitch into Johnson City.As mentioned earlier, Miss Janet is repairing/replacing her hostel bath/shower room. I think it is safe to say it will be completed in a week or so. In the interim there is still a bathroom and you can shower at the YMCA for $2.Miss Janet has two bunkrooms and can take about 14-16 overnighters. She has a high-speed internet computer in her kitchen; washer and dryer you can use; full kitchen use; television and VCR/DVD movies to watch; and a really nice front porch where you can kick back and watch all the town folks drive by and look at you while you look back at them - it's all cool. She also runs shuttles and can get you into or out of nearby trail locations; Gaps; etc. She told me that she often gets more section than thru-hikers staying with her.Evenings at Miss Janet's often consist of everyone crowding around the television (she brings in a large-screen TV when the masses begin to arrive); watching a rented movie; eating pizza; shooting the breeze; etc. It's pretty cool if you want to "drink" at her place - just do it inside and you gotta be of legal age. Erwin (the town) does have it's laws.Now don't laugh, but I have seen a bunch of posters in shop windows advertising "Professional Wrestling in Erwin" at the local, National Guard armory. Who knows - I might just head on over and enjoy the "entertainment."