Date: 2006-04-27
From: 19E Mountain Harbour B&B

To: Asheville, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day. I rented a car this morning and drove home but first, I can't say enough about how wonderful Mary and Terry are at the Mountain Harbour B&B/hostel. Breakfast was unbelievable and the rooms were comfortable. I was in the B&B part but went to check out the hostel which was added on above the barn. It was so cozy, clean and comfortable-and overflowing with hikers and food! The 3 Aussies, Hawkeye, Knock Knock, Roy and Lone Wolf were there. Also the 2 deaf guys (don't know their names), Feng Shui, and 2 other guys were in the trailer they use for overflow. In the house, LoneStar and I had a room, and TooMuch and Enuff with Tater and Sundance were in another room! Breakfast for all of us was buffet style and was way too much food!So, I got a rent car, drove to Kinkora Hostel to pick up my bounce box and met Bob and Pat Peoples-absolutely wonderful folks. I ran into Natty Boh, Supersize, The Wanderers and WildBill. 42 was slack packing and I met a few other hikers-AbleJack and I forget the rest. After talking to Bob Peoples, I can slackpack the 24 miles from 19E where I bailed to their place-very tempting! As well, I can slackpack the 9 miles over the next mountain and then on Tuesday help with some trail maintenance. They are working on the new shelter in an area that is due to open in July. So, my plan is to zero here in Asheville until Saturday, drive back to Kincora Hostel, and do the 9 mile slackpack on Saturday. Do the 24 on Sunday, take a zero on Monday and build a new shelter on Tuesday. Wednesday, I will continue on my way to Damascus.So, what about my feet? On my way back to my house in Asheville I stopped at the Diamond Brand (?) Outfitters in Fletcher where I bought these boots before. The guy that sold them to me saw me walking in and said "You're supposed to be on the trail!". I explained the problem of severe pain in my feet ever since I got the new boots-which you have to understand at this point are caked in mud, soaking wet and generally disgusting looking. They took the boots back-no questions asked and gave me a full credit for them! Then they spent about 2 hours with me trying to get me into new shoes and custom fitting me with superfeet. I can't say enough good things about the folks at this store! They are really amazing. I didn't have receipts for the old boots, they just recognized me. It really makes you feel good!So, I have a pair of Montrail, low cut boots. Hopefully, they will work. My next option is New Balance Trail Runners-I know of at least one person switching to them. I also bought a pair of Chaco sandals-the crocs have to go. They are useless except for the fact that they are almost weight less. The Chaco sandals are 1 1/2#. Everyone thatI talked to agrees that its not worth changing my tent. I can save 1/2 # by getting the Hubba and its so much smaller than mine. I think for now one of the best weight saving things to do is carry only 1 liter of water instead of 2-unless its a really hot, sunny day.Tomorrow when I get to a computer I will look up the Go-lite rain gear and see what they have-I want a sil nylon poncho. Other than that I plan to do a little gardening/weeding here at the house, generally chill out! I had a long soak in the tub, a glass of wine and a good book!