Date: 2003-04-10
From: Hot Springs NC 

To: Hot Springs NC 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Day 28 Avg. Miles/Day 9.7Weather: Cold rain all day...heavy at times. Snow in the mountains. Temp in upper 30's low 40'sA Double Zero! Well, let me see if I can exlain this. It started last night at supper. Everyone was talking about the forecast for today...snow, not only in the mountains but here in town. Harold, the motel manager, said it was going to be heavy. By dinner time all of the motel rooms were booked and the hostels were full. Radio Shack and Goldberry said they were staying another day so I said," what the hell...I'll take another zero." I really do want to hike, but not in cold rain or snow. BTW, the weather is supposed to turn nice Saturday.This morning Mule knocked on my door to go to breakfast. Only trouble was, I was in the motel office doing email. So by the time I got to the diner they had left and I missed seeing Driver off. Goldberry and Radio Shack were just starting to eat so I joined them for pancakes and sausage. Nice pancakes. We agreed to meet for breakfast again tomorrow after which we 3 are planning to hit the Trail. After they took off I moved over to the table with Cobra and Splash who were finishing breakfast with another hiker I had not yet met, Goldwing. Cobra is on her second or third zero trying to heal from muscle tears in her legs. She still was limping badly and if it doesn't improve, will have to get xrays.I mosied down to the outfitter where I met a NOBO hiker, Euchre, heading out. He gave me 4 left over beers. This is the 2nd time a hiker heading out has given me beer...Do I look like an alcoholic? I then purchased this anti-chafing sports cream that Cobra raved about...said it's a must have! Only trouble was they only had the large 4 ounce tube...too much weight. Just Do It was there and said he would take what I didn't use. So I bought a small plastic bottle and broke the tube down. I wasn't that hungry for lunch so I bought some Chex mix and Pringles and had them with a beer in my room. After which I took off for the library which opened at 1 o'clock. The library was a few blocks up the hill. On the way up I caught up with Noah who was on his way there too to use the internet. It was cold and rainy and a woman stopped and gave us a ride. Only trouble was she was new to the area and didn't know where the library was and we drove right by it. Her windows were fogged up and it was hard to see out.Got to the library and was using the internet when the nice young librarian came over and said, "I have some bad news, the library will close at 2. We are part of the County and all County services are closing due to the weather...snow in the mountains." The word was the snow was 50 miles away and heading our way. I forgot to mention that I had ran into this couple that were looking for a room at the motel. Their truck had ran off the road in the snow storm and someone had given them a ride (20 miles) into town. So, the weather was not great for hiking and taking another zero was a good decision.Since I had to leave the library I decided to visit the Natural Hot Springs Spa on the southern bank of the French Broad River at the edge of town. It is famous for its therapeutic mineral baths for which the town was named. Cost $10/hr and they rent you a towel for a dollar. During the 1800s, literature promoting the springs claimed the water could "bring vigor to a wasted frame"--just the remedy for worn-out hikers. I was the only one there at 3 p.m....had a tub to myself. I thuroughly enjoyed it and found it relaxing.I had heard from Doulous that the delivery truck made it to the Pub. So, I went there for dinner and they did get oysters! Ordered a basket of fried oysters, fries and a large special salad (apple, walnut,cotto cheese, greens, etc.) It was great. In walks Mule, Radio Shack and Neely. We all have a couple of beers and chat intil 8:30 or so. Mule and Neely aren't leaving until Saturday so I won't see them for awhile. They may catch me in Irwin where I have scheduled a zero at Miss Janets. I've got to hike. If I don't see them for awhile it has been great. At any rate, when I get off the Trail I plan to get together with Driver, Karen and Mule for a visit.Got back to the motel and called Julia. I think I've talked to her more in the last 3 days than if I'd been at home.   Tomorrow morning, Radio Shack, Goldberry and I will meet for breakfast...then it's back on the Trail.Thought for the Day: The Trail is calling.