Date: 2013-04-27
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Sams Gap, Us 23, I-26 - Mother Marian Hostel
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

It rained a little in the night. I slept well in my little Hubba. I used the Shamwow on my tent and packed up. I was on the trail about 7:45 am and planned to stop at the first shelter for the rest of the day which would have been an 8.8 mile day. My legs felt like lead. Weather forecast was for rain all day. When it started to sprinkle, I stopped and put up my trekking umbrella. I love that thing. It keeps me dry and I don't have to sweat to death with rain gear. As usual, I left earlier than the others at the shelter but soon they passed me. I'm getting used to it and just go at my own pace. They were younger and planning on a 20 mile day. The woods are covered in flowers. I look down a lot when I hike and they are right at my feet on either side. When I stop to see the bigger view, it is an amazing carpet of flowers; what a gift from God. It is so beautiful. Above is a beautiful cascade just after Devils Gap. The trail follows it on both sides for quite a while.The cold and dampness of the day reminded me of my earlier days in March. I began to wish that I could get warm and avoid the shelter. I knew the weather forecast was for more of the same for a couple of days. I remembered a new hostel that Winkle had told me about, Mother Marian Hostel with pickup at Sams Gap and Big Bald. Chuck Norris from Laughing Heart Hostel also mentioned it should I want to stop between Hot Springs and Erwin. I got a cell signal and called my husband and left voice mail to Google it for the phone and to call and see if they had a space for me. He left voice mail later that it was all set. I could call from Sams Gap and they would come get me. I stopped at Hogback Ridge Shelter to see if there might be people there who didn't know about the hostel and might like to join me. Tex, 72 years, from Houston, Texas who thru-hiked in 2000 was at the shelter along with Rocky Top and his son, Tom Foolery. Tex said he'd like to get out of the dampness and came with me. It didn't take long to complete the 2.4 miles down to the gap. I told Tex I was slow and that I was leaving the shelter ahead of him but to pass me when he came up behind me. He never did. At the gap, he told me I was not a SLOW hiker. I called and Fred came to pick us up in about 20 min. We waited under the I-26 overpass out of the rain. What a pleasure it was to sit down in his warm car and enjoy the ride. He brought us back to his home which is in a gated community on Bald Mountain. They also pick up at Bald Mt. Where the AT crosses. Mother Marian Hostel is luxury at its finest. The bunkroom in their home is just off the garage in the lower level of the house; it has a huge flat screen tv, bunk beds and a very comfy sectional. Laundry can be done, there is a refrigerator with soft drinks and beer. Everything is on the honor system. My husband reserved the private bedroom and bath for me. It's on the second floor and VERY comfortable. They have a laptop that hikers can use. Marian greeted us with a fresh fruit cup. They have a rack for hiker shoes/boots in the garage and a clothes rack to dry whatever might need drying. Packs are left in their garage. Marian cooked hikers' spaghetti and garlic bread for dinner. Tex (Chuck) and I enjoyed a beer (Little Hump Pale Ale for me and PBR for him) with dinner. Dinner, drinks breakfast are extra but Marian's food is super delicious and well worth it. Marian also made Cookie Bar for dessert but we are so full from dinner that we have not endulged yet. Fred made homemade dark chocolate ice cream to have with the cookie bar. Marian made some scented epsom salts for my bath and I soaked in the tub for probably 45 min. What a treat ! After the bath, I noticed my face is seriously sun burned as are my arms. I guess putting on sunscreen should be a part of my morning routine before I begin walking on sunny days. I know sleeping in a bedroom in their beautiful home will give me a wonderful nights' rest. My husband suggested I spend Sunday night here too and I think I will because the cold, damp rain is forecasted to continue. Thank you Fred and Marian; you are wonderful hosts, your home is beautiful and you have made us feel like family. Mother Marian Hostel phone 828-680-9944P.S. The cookie bar and homemade chocolate ice cream were to die for ---mmmmmm!