Date: 2014-05-16
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Moved out of the Laughing Heart hostel early this morning and headed to the Alpine Motel for my second and final zero in Hot Springs. Could not get into a room until about 11 so I ran a couple of errands before heading to the Smokey Mountain Diner for a combo breakfast/lunch. First stop was the local hardware. No chain store here just a good old full service with a smile store. There I picked up a 4 inch piece of pvc pipe to use to help rehab my foot per advice of sister-in-law, Christine. Service? 4 inch cut by hand pvc, no cost. Next I stopped at the outfitter to get their opinion on using a part from my old bladder on the new one. The process involves cutting the new tube and installing a port to refill by back loading through the tube with my water filter. Didn't want to mess that up. It's just very convenient to not have to unload the pack to refill with water.At breakfast the now famous Smokey Mountain Diner was crowded with hikers either grabbing a meal before heading out or zeroing like me. Also there was Old School, the section hiker, with her parents. They are relocating further north to hike more sections before heading home. It's always nice to see people again along the AT. We share an interesting common bond.Back at the motel the room was ready. Very nice room. I asked Lynn one of the staff if there was a barber here in town. It would be nice to get a cut as it has now been about 6 weeks and would be at least about 2 more before the next opportunity. I was directed to a beauty/tanning shop just off the main drag in a single wide. Off to find it. I was likely the first guy in the place in a long time just guessing from the looks I got. I was given a time slot with 30 minutes to kill. Nearby I spotted a small antique type shop with about 10 sting ray type bikes lined up in the front yard. Stopped to talk with the owner as a sideline he was selling fresh squeezed lemonade. A great deal for one buck. Back at the beauty now barber shop I was told it had been a while since they had used clippers but that they did have some. Upon being asked how much to cut...my response was whatever you do is great. These days I mostly wear a hat and in the wilderness who cares. They did a great job.Back to the motel and a final check of my mail drop soon to be "bounced" forward to Erwin, TN my next major stop. Didn't need anything else so it was across the street to the PO. Then it was back across the street, Main Street, to the library to check websites. The Alpine is perfectly located at about the center of town. Very convenient.The rest of the day before dinner was spent massaging and stretching my foot, relaxing with some TV, and a nap or two. Several of us staying at the Alpine were going together back to the Diner for dinner. No Regrets had not yet tried the Hiker Burger. Can't leave Hot Springs without trying this iconic delicacy. Just before leaving for dinner I finally heard from New Man. By now I figured he was an easy three days ahead of me. His plan had been to zero here on Monday. So much for plans on the AT. The communication was a picture of his foot in one of those plastic casts. He had hiked two 15 mile days to get to here and had injured his foot. MRI was scheduled for next week. He hopes to be back on the trail in 8 weeks. Maybe he can modify his dream and hike with me next year from Harpers Ferry to Maine.For dinner I enjoyed a modest sized black and blue burger and salad with ice tea. And could not resist a take out dessert, blackberry cobbler for later.Before hitting the sack I talked with Cathy, got my pack ready so that in the morning I can be out of here and back on the trail no later than about 7:30.Friends it may be awhile before more entries as I don't know how reception will be over the next few days. Coming here it was very sketchy. Hopefully it will be better as we head north.Blessing,