Date: 2003-04-02
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: clear sky

The mice in the shelter were quite entertaining last night. I never heard or saw or felt one on the sleeping platform, but we could hear them running across the roof or gutters or something. All. Night. Long. It was funny, but made me tuck my head down into my sleeping bag, even though it wasn't a cold night. Around 3am, the mouse or mice seemed to be dragging something across the roof, like a spoon or other metal object. First the mouse would run one way, then back the other. Hotdog, AKA, Cheddar and I were laughing. I was glad they didn't come visit me personally though.Hotdog and I got one of our earliest starts this morning--on the trail by 7:30! I guess we were craving breakfast at Smokey Mountain Diner. We got there before 9am, and soon had a couple of plates of food in front of us. I ordered 2 eggs, sausage, grits, 2 pieces of toast and 3 pancakes. When I ordered the pancakes, the waitress looked at me and said "These pancakes are pretty big, huh." I said "That's okay. I'll give it a shot." Well...I could only eat about 2-3/4 of the pancakes, but everything else went down smoothly, including the large OJ and large water.After breakfast, we started other town chores. First the Post Office. Yippee! Letters and care packages from aunt Jeanie, friend Amy, brother Bryan and family, Mama and Papa Wench, cousin Tom, and friends Humbob and Rejoyce. Thanks to everyone! Tom, I will make sure your dad goes as far as I do on this adventure. Next we headed to Elmer's Sunnybank Inn to see if rooms were available. They were and we checked in and got a quick tour. We changed into our laundry clothes (rain gear) and did laundry and made phone calls. Once laundry was done we checked out the resupply situation at the grocery store and outfitter, and did some shopping at the outfitter. My headlamp broke last night and the outfitter gave me Princeton Tec's phone number so I could call and ask about a replacement. I wasn't back to a phone until after business hours, so that task will wait until tomorrow. If they won't work something out with the outfitter, I'll have to buy a new one.After the outfitter we walked across the street to Paddler's Pub for dinner. It was goo-ood. The beer was too. When I got back to the hostel, there was Lite Shoe, and Iguana and Sonic, and PopPop too! They'd all arrived today, but are planning on a slack pack or zero tomorrow. Hotdog and I are planning on heading out tomorrow. I'm sure they'll catch up. :-)Hot Springs is a tiny little town, but has everything I need: restaurant, bar, outfitter, grocery, hotel/hostel, Post Office. All within easy walking distance. The whole town is less than a 1/2 mile long, and the trail goes right down the main street. It's very cool. I'm not sure I could live in a place quite this small, but it sure is nice for a hiker!THe last 2 days hiking with soaking wet feet have left me with some new blisters. Ugh! Will it ever end? I'll be spending some quality time with the duct tape in the mornings until they heal up, or get tough. Until then, I'll keep hiking. The snow hiking also made my calves sorer thn usual, but it is a good kind of sore, if there is such a thing. I think there is.I need to remember to wear sunscreen. Even walking in the snow, I got a sunburn. I should also buy some cheap sunglasses, and WEAR them because my eyes were red today after yesterday's sun. It seems that I have a lot os 'shoulds'.... Maybe I SHOULD listen to myself.It was great being in town, especially to shower. And make phone calls. I found out I'm an aunt again!!!! Yaaaay! (Congratulations Dan and Mary Sue!) I was happy to hear that mommy and baby are doing well. I wish I was there with them, but for now I send my love through phone calls and emails.