Date: 2010-04-13
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs/Elmer's Sunnybank Hostel
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: broken clouds

Last nite it was warm enough that I slept without a tarp, so when I woke up during the night I could see the stars. I can't begin to describe the feeling of an omnipresence when you see what is in front of you - stripped down to its true beauty. That goes for the people as well. Some amazing peope out here.Only hiked a short distance into Hot Springs but as I descended the mountain the forest had that new spring green color, new life beginning again. I reached Hot Springs at 8:30am and straight to the diner for bereakfast. Ate with Myrph, Freeman and Alphabet. Also caught up with many other hikers that had gotten ahead of me. "Nature" suggested I stay at Elmer's hostel, so I ran across the street to put my and Alphabets name on the wait list. Then went back and enjoyed an incredible omelette, home fries, and biscuit. YummieAfter food, while waiting to see if I had a room at the hostel, I went to the outgfitter to see if they could stretch my boot, no luck. My new boots are cutting into my achilles tendon (bloody & painful). I'm trying to stretch them out myself, hope it helps. Ouch! Whoopie I got a room, a private one at that. They showed me around this huge old victorian home. Wow-many sleep rooms, bathrooms, music room, sitting/chess room, dining rooms, reading nooks on every floor and books every where. The house is about two centuries old, full of antiques, cracks, every part makes it so perfect.Off to the post office to pick up my 4 boxes, I am so excited. I got 3 doz cookies from Suzie and Ava thank you. We (me and all the other hikers enjoyed them). Also I was surprised with some pictures of my grandbabies which I showed off of course. Also a very sweet note from Ava who is in Kindergarten. I also got a box from Cathy & Melissa at WW. Girls you out did yourselves, thans so much. I can and will use every single item in the box. You did good. In fact I am munching on the dill pickle cashews right now! I did all the mundane chores, laundry, resupply, shower (which is always a treat). Got all my food in order, went to the library updated journals, called my boyfriend (I'm sorry your sick, hope you get better soon). And thank you for taking care of things while I am gone. I really appreciate it. I got back to the hostel, they were preparing dinner, smelled wonderful but I hadn't signed up, I will for breakfast though. Here at the hostel I'm in my room reorganizing and someone is playing the piano and the house is filled with music. No TV, no loud radio but filled with music and laughter, conversation and the aroma of strawberry rhubarb pie fill every nook and crannie. It is here that I begain to be a part of the outstanding adventure. The trail towns & the people are as important as the trail itself. The hospitality and kindness from the people here is heart warming. This adventure does renew your faith in true goodness & selflessness. The way we all want to be - but for some reason we just aren't. You know what that "some reason" doesn't exsist, not out here. What a great experience, I feel so privledged. Even though Hot Springs & Elmers hostel pulls you in ( I could curl up in the reading room for days). I will push on tomorrow some time. I know there will be many more places to enjoy along the trail. Great comfy bed, warm patchwork quilt - sleepytime - while soft conversation creeps under the door and laughter fills the air. Good night allGearbomb