Date: 2015-04-29
From: Stealth Campsite, TN

To: Greasy Creek Friendly
Miles today: 5.2

Only 5.2 miles. No sickness, no injuries, no worries. Just watching out for a trail friend and enjoying one of the better friendly's/hostels along the trail. Thus a shorter update will follow.The morning began around 7:30am. Ready to get going, I was already awake for nearly an hour and finally opened up with a, "Good mooooorning, Neverland! (Not yet mentioned in my journals is that I end each night with " Good night, Neverland" - a tribute to 90's flick Hook.) The guys all took to it and it sorta became part of our daily routine out here. With gear packed, we had a short mile or so to Iron Mountain Gap. Shortly before we left, Cotton announced that his dad would like to treat us to MacDonald's when he came to pick up Cotton. Asking a thru-hiker what s/he would like to eat is a lot like opening Pandora's Box - be ready. We each got a couple breakfast sandwiches, hash browns, and a Coke for myself. The mile was quickly covered as our bellies looked forwards to our fast-approaching meal. At 8:30am as he promised, John, Cotton's father, arrived. As a fellow hiking enthusiast himself, we exchanged a few stories and trail-related comments, as well as bragged about his son keeping good spirits despite blister-covered feet he received over the past day and a half hiking with us. The food was excellent, as well as the OJ, cookies, and Cheese Nips John offered to us. We shook hands with Cotton, wished he and his father well, and said goodbye. Thank you both for spending time with us and being so kind to smelly, 'ole thru-hikers.After returning to the woods, we covered a couple miles to a campsite with a water source. We refilled our bottles, making sure to keep Nala downstream from where we filled, and then braked for ~10 minutes to discuss our plans over the next few days since they will be differing. Hobbel and Nala will be covering some miles in order for him to get to a wedding on Saturday. We plan to cover ~65 miles in the next 3 days in order to meet back up with Hobbel just before Hampton, TN. Over the next couple of miles, my body was responding strongly and I was considering putting in a longer day as long as the weather cooperated. However, I noticed Burnsides struggling a bit in his recovery from some type of sickness he's been dealing with over the past few days.We knew of a "friendly" (usually someone's residence unlike that of a hostel), and decided we'd drop in to check out weather reports, costs of staying, charge my gadgets, and perhaps enjoy some Coke if an ample supply was on hand. We parted ways with Moosehead at Greasy Gap, but plan to reunite with him on Sunday morning as well. Burnsides and I ventured down a liytle-used path into Greasy Gap, green tape on trees being our only indicator that we weren't lost. Eventually we stumbled upon Greasy Creek Friendly, a staple on the trail, and met Connie. Connie was renovated her small home so that's it's basically divided into her own private quarters and the rest a public area for herself as well as weary thru-hikers. The best part is that it's super affordable to stay, shower, and enjoy a few snacks or drinks. Plus, more importantly, Connie is beyond nice and trusting.Not only does she allow thru-hikers to stay in her home (or bunk house, couch, porch, outside camping as long as the price is right) but does so without worry or judgment. She has currently been gone into town for the past ~4 hours treating hikers to Walmart, a buffet, etc., while Burnsides and I have been hanging out in her home. Here at any time are her personal items, drinks, snacks, a solid movie selection, etc. that she doesn't think twice about leaving behind to strangers. The AT, in a lot of places, runs on the honor system and she truly exemplifies that idea. Burnsides and I have been wasting away the afternoon watching movies (Armageddon and Into the Wild), took a shower, charging our gadgets, and sitting around in clothing appropriate for such a setting. Jorts and a Hawkins County Humane Society sweatshirt for me. A hiker will be returning from town with 2 2-liters of Coke that I'll happily polish off before sunrise. Another perfect evening. I highly recommend future hikers (thru or section alike) to stop in and meet Connie. A lot can be learned from a woman so giving and trusting. Her kindness will be remembered long after the sun has set and risen on a new day.Today ended up being a nearo, thus making my next 3 days become long ones in order to meet back up with Moosehead and Hobble, 60+ miles away. Hopefully Burnside's health will improve and we'll be able to cover the miles together. Burnsides will be the last person to say he wanted/needed me to stay behind and I would've said the same had I been in his shoes, but part of me wanted to hang back, make sure he gets to feeling better, and hopefully help to motivate in kicking out some miles. It's been a nice afternoon relaxing with him regardless. The goal is to hike your own hike; I chose to hike this one today. Back at it tomorrow, despite the rain that is in the forecast.Tomorrow the last large mountain in this general area of NC/TN awaits, Roan Mountain, topping out over 6,200ft. With it completed, it should be smoother sailing into Virginia from what I've heard. The next milestones will be mile 400 and the VA border not too long after, both taking place within the next week or so.For now, it's an evening of relaxing before making the ~60 mile push for Hampton, TN.Obviously my gadgets were able to be recharged, thus making these updates possible despite thinking I'd be without for the immediate future. Stumbling across this place was a pleasant treat in more ways than one.