Date: 2008-03-21
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I rolled into town at around 10a and saw Launchpad walking towards Elmers. We talked for a bit and then I went to the outfitters to buy some shoelaces for my boot. While there, I saw Night Terror and talked to him...then, Toddy Bear walked in. I followed them to their room, after buying some sleeping socks, a food bag and laces. Then, I headed to their motel room behind the Paddler's Pub. I checked out their "dig" and then we headed to the Smokey Mnt. Grill for some food. Well, I finally got to see part of the Here Here Gang. We have been trailing them--mainly their leader, THE TREAT--for quite some time. Also, Chris and Lacey caught up to us and pulled out this morning. It stinks that I missed him, but hopefully I'll see him again! Just as we were finishing our breakfast, Other Jake rolled in, sat with us, and ordered food. While he was waiting, the Red Ranger came in and was chatting with us.We paid our bill and then hit the Convient Store for some Cool Ranch Doritos, Fritos, and a Snickers Bar. Toddy Bear, however, bought a 12pack of Coor's Light and some snacks. It was about 1p at this point and Night Terror had already been enjoying the sounds of the river. Seeming like a "romantic" spot, Toddy Bear and I joined him. I don't know how much time passed, but we just enjoyed ourselves for several hours!!! Eventually, my friend Bobby Messer called and offered to pick me up so that I could see his new baby girl--Kaele Danielle--since he lives in Hot Springs. We chatted on his porch for a while, but quickly made our way inside. His daughter is pretty cute and it was funny hearing Bobby "baby talk" with her!!! By 7p, he dropped me back downtown and I walked to our room. When I arrived, I noticed Toddy Bear and Night Terror sitting on the tailgate of the Bar owner's truck listening to the radio and socializing with two other hikers. The closer I got, the more I began to realize who these two fellas were: Fester and Stovie!!! Man was I happy to see them!!! We spent some time catching up and then decided to go to the Pub for dinner. I ordered a Black Bean Burger and fries and then continued catching up with the boys. While waiting for our food, this woman named Meghann joined us at the table and told us that she and her husband, Tim, live in Linden, VA and gladly help hikers out! So, she gave us her contact info and then Tim joined us. The more we spoke to this couple, the more we began to realize that they were both VERY DRUNK and we think Swingers! It got soo bad, that Willie Boy quickly left because Meghann made him feel uncomfortable! While eating our food, Tim, who had a strange twitch, vomitted in mid sentence. Half of it made it out of his mouth and the other half he caught. So, Meghann, being the "good" wife took him to the bathroom. Fester, Stovie and I looked as if we had seen a ghost, but the worst part was that when they left, I had to wipe his vomit off of my leg!!! After our meals, we all headed back to the tailgate and were joined by GreenBlaze and Roses. We wished her a happy Birthday--the fifth anniversary of her 21st birthday!!! Well...It's getting late and I'm really tired so...off to bed!