Date: 2016-04-18
From: little laurel shelter

To: Rector Road
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

Wow what a day... I was up and out of my camp site around 7:45. I covered 16.1 miles and I am currently at mile marker 309.4. I keep thinking the climbs will get easier but not today...while I did have some nice stretches of flat walking the uphills were quite challenging. There were two spots that had signs indicating that if the weather was too bad you should take the blue blaze trail and not the white AT (trail) due to the hard climbs up and down and over rocks. The weather was beautiful so I stayed on the white blazes. But, the scrambles were enough to make me take my pack off...slide it down and then climb down .. it was like climbing Old Rag in Virginia. Anyway I took some good pics and will try to upload them later. My motivation for doing two long days (miles) was due to the fact that there is a new hostel that just opened with a full resupply (food and shower and a bunk) at mile marker 309. That made me put in the two long days. I am here now at Hiker Paradise .. I have had a shower, pizza in the pizza oven, clothes in the wash and the owner will take me back to the trail head (1/2 mile away) tomorrow for 7 a.m. I noticed that the forest floor is not only blooming with flowers it is also covered in pine needles. Obviously showing me that the trees I am now walking through are not the same as when I was in the Smokey Mountain and earlier. The sun is out in full force....I wish I had my hat that had the long flap to cover my ears. I am having to put my bandana in my cap and it hangs over my ears to protect them from the sun. One place I stopped today for lunch was Howard's Rock. (Howard McDonald Master Trail Builder) Google it if you have a chance and look at the views I had. Yesterday and today I saw very few hikers. I did see some section south bound hikers today. (section hikers are those who do certain sections of the trail throughout the year...for several years until they complete the entire trail).Today...once again I am reminded how important the little things are... and how I (we) really don't need much to make our lives complete. When I said I am now at a hostel (Hiker Paradise) for the night.... don't let the name fool you. It is far from Paradise but guess what....it has all that I need. And the young man trying to make a go of this little one room building...is as sweet as they come. He saw the need for a stop between Hot Springs, NC and Erwin, TN for the hikers and he is making it happen. Hats off to him. Shout out to IWOX and Superman... If you read this you guys should try to stay here when you come through. That way you only need to carry 3 or 4 days of food not 7!! Keri R.... you would love it here. There is a cat on the top bunk sleeping on the pillow...i think that is her bed!! There is a rooster in the front yard that I am sure will be my alarm clock in the morning. Debra N. thanks for following the journal. You are my hero For putting up with my brother.Francis D. thanks for being so interested in my journey.Jan L. tell you niece thanks for the note (she did not leave her e-mail for me to respond).Chrissy - - you rock... I am glad you had a good day!! I knew you would kill the briefing. Everyone else thanks for following along. So far so good.... I hope I get to Maine but even if something happened tomorrow that made me get off the trail it has already been a great ride.Bernie T., Chris P., CH, all my work buddies.... you guys stay safe. Think of you often. Linda M., Cousin D, and Billy, Peggy, EVERYONE...thanks for the kind words. Be sure to click on the photo tab (to left) to see additional photos.