Date: 2005-03-31
From: Deer Patch Shelter

To: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn, Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.2

3/31/053.2 MilesElmer¢s Sunnybank InnHot Spring¢s, N.C.This morning¢s 3.2 mile Nero took about an hour and we landed in Hot Springs around 10:15 or so. Of course, the rain started right as we came in from the trail. We were greeted at Elmer¢s by Camel (Matt) and Sam who told us we¢d have to wait until Elmer okayed the dog. Apparently a dog kept everyone awake barking the other night, so he was a little hesitant. It¢s kind of a weird scenario, really. You train a dog to never leave your side, ignore other tempting stimuli, obey your command, and it does. It stays with you while you hike, eat, and sleep (that¢s all you do!) Then, you get to town and all of a sudden, you expect her to stay outside by herself while we¢re inside? Of course a trail dog will bark. It¢s not used to being separated from it¢s master.We hope she doesn¢t bark, but we¢re ready to sleep outside with her if she does. We just couldn¢t have her waking all the other hikers. Enough about her.Elmer¢s is awesome! It¢s the coolest joint on the trail so far. He¢s one cool cat, too! Basically, he¢s an ex-gourmet chef/restaurant owner and professor of Chinese religion at Duke who bough a mid 1800s Victorian house, and uses it to house hikers and help foster people¢s search for a simpler life. Eclectically adorned with antique furniture, Van Gogh and left-wing bumper stickers, Elmer¢s Sunnybank Inn is a great place to absorb hiker and life lore. His library is available to all who stay, and we were encouraged to stay and read in the reading room. Most of the titles pertained to the environment, vegetarianism, the Appalachian Trail, forward thinking politics, and Eastern religions. One could be set for life on his library. Next to the library (actually, below it) is the music room, where there are guitars, a banjo, and various wind - percussion instruments. Jay from Cape Cod, Hannah and I jammed for a little while. Today, we saw Herald an Annie again along with English Bob and Bam Bam. It was nice to catch up and say hi.Also in town tonight are Muppet, Birdie, Kasey, Whitee, Buckwheat, Lokie, Eric (Red Blaze), Uncle Bob (who¢s getting off the trail to nurse a knee), 1/4 of the way Jay, and a few others.This whole hike, community is so right. Today we met two guys at a restaurant for lunch (Loki and Buckwheat) and talked like we¢d always known each other. Then we went to the outfitters, and I asked all the questions I wanted, for the first time shedding the ill-conceived notion that I knew all there was to know about gear. I¢m beginning to eyeball some summer gear. I hope there¢s money for it. On the way back from mailing back my Gaiters to OR, we went to the laundromat, where we were offered a share of Jay¢s drier load. There¢s something liberating about sharing laundry with a total stranger. It should be a rule.As I write, my belly is stuffed from the gourmet organic vegetarian feast, and things around the house are becoming quieter. The train just went by, sending me into a happy place: Emory, VA. Mmm, good bed thoughts.I¢m just a Tennessee Walker,Josh HillSome quotes from the bumper stickers at Elmer¢s:¢Bush: Putting the ¢con¢ in conservative.¢¢Heal the planet, plant a Bush in Texas.¢¢Support Faith-Based Missile Defense Systems.¢¢National Waffle Association¢ (same logo as the NRA, except the eagle holds a huge waffle)¢You have the right NOT to remain silent. ¢ ACLU¢¢Mall-Wart: Your source for cheap, plastic crap.¢