Date: 2009-04-06
From: Hot Springs Campground

To: Log Cabin Drive/Jonesborough TN
Miles today: 16.3

April 6, 2009What a difference a day makes. Yesterday we were sweating bullets. Today it snowed! Woke up planning a short day today and a shorter day tomorrow. Went for breakfast at the diner, and then looked around Dollar General until the Post Office opened. I needed a prepaid envelope so I could send home some excess food tomorrow. Then it was back to the room to pack. I finally departed Hot Springs at 1020. For future hikers, the skillet breakfast is huge. I didn't have it but I saw it. The first ten minutes was a nice walk along the river, and then came the usual dreaded climb. It took me about 45 minutes to reach the top. It was steep in places but didn't seem too bad. The highlight of the first five miles was Mill Ridge. The first thing you notice is a concrete dam with a large pond behind it. On a nice day you could easily spend some time relaxing on one of the benches and taking in the "quiet." Too bad it was raining. A little further along were fields where grains were/are grown for the wildlife in the area. It is one of the more unusual places I've seen on the trail so far. I crossed the bridge at Tanyard Gap at 1230. At the gap I met the same section hiker the third time in three days. The trail up Rich Mtn was a long and steady climb. The snow pellets began just before I arrived at the side trail to the fire tower. I really wanted to see the view but because of the snow and wind, I decided to pass it by. At times the wind was blowing so hard that the pellets were going horizontal rather than falling. My original plan was to stop at Spring Mtn Shelter for the day. When I arrived the temperature was falling, snow was falling, and I almost fell after hitting my head twice on the low ceiling. Just like the previous two shelters, the bunk space was extremely short, way too short for me. In addition, the wind was howling and I didn't feel like trying to put up my tent. After a quick snack and conversation with Wishy Washy and Debbie, I moved on. About this time I began thinking about going to Hemlock Hollow Farm for the night. While I descended to Allen Gap I was still looking for a tenting site out of the wind. By this time the falling snow began accumulating on everything except the bare ground. The snow on the rhododendron leaves was especially pretty. By the time I reached Allen Gap I knew I was headed to the hostel. The trail between the gap and Log Cabin Drive was relatively flat and an easy walk. At 1705 I reached the road and began the road walk to the hostel. All you have to do is follow the signs. Ten minutes later I was checking in. The store has almost everything a hiker needs from dehydrated foods to fuel to fresh fruit. The bunkhouse I was in sleeps eight with a small TV, a hot plate, sink, and a large table in the middle of the room. The wash house is close by and was clean. My mail drop wasn't there when I checked in but arrived about ten minutes later. Since I wasn't planning on hiking tomorrow and with the food I still had and just received being more than I needed, I decided to call Judy and spend my day off at home. So back to the store I went to cancel my room for the night and arrange a shuttle into Greeneville to meet Judy. I'm now sitting at home watching the NCAA championship game and my clothes are going through the wash cycle for the second time. Some of the clothes may smell ok but I told Judy there isn't any hope for my socks. Tomorrow's agenda includes a few quick errands and gear repair, but mostly eating. That's about all for now. Take care everyone, and to my fellow hikers, keep warm and safe.   DaveMin Temp: 34.8Max Temp: 49.9Weather: Cloudy with rain showers in morning, snow pellets and snow in afternoon; windy, especially at higher elevations