Date: 2007-04-27
From: Deer Park Mtn Shelter

To: Hot Springs, N C
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: light rain

Breakfast was calling three and a half miles away in Hot Springs N.C. so we (Ronin, Bluedog and I) high-tailed it down the trail. We were really smelly so I asked the waitress if it was okay for us to come in. She took one look at us and said, "We're used to smelly hikers, come right in".An hour later, we were drinking coffee and eating half of the food on the breakfast menu.   After eating to our hearts' content, we rolled across the street to see if there was still room at a trail-famous Hostel/B&Bcalled Sunny Brook. Most people call this turn-of-the-century house "Elmers", after the owner. We walked around to the back of the house which sat up on a hill looking down onto the street. There were a few thru hikers scraping and painting the back porch (many hostel owners will let hikers work for stay) that we asked about available space. They weren't sure if there was space, but they directed us inside to talk to Elmer. As we stepped through the back door we were taken back. Our eyes and senses were immediately overloaded by a large kithen with a huge castiron stove a kitchen island covered with spice jars, cookbooks, baking items and various foods. Large cooking pots hung from a pot rack and an array of stainglass hung from the window and cabinets. Against the side wall was a desk overflowing with scattered books, a phone and many other random items. As my eyes were still reeling from sensory overload, I spotted Elmer in the next room sitting quietly eating his lunch while reading a newspaper.I walked in and introduced myself and asked if there were any rooms available. Elmer replied, "Yes,I have space but you'll have to come back after lunch". So, like any tired hikers would do, Ronin and I dropped our packs on the back porch and went for a walk downtown. The town of Hot Springs is not very large but it has everything a hiker needs including actual hot springs. According to local history, the Cherokee would often use the warm waters for healing purposes. During World War II, German prisoners of war were confined to an area next to the springs which they were allowed to use. Some of the prisoners liked the area so much that they stayed after the war and became American citizens.After walking through town, I strolled down to the hot springs baths and reserved a time for both a hot tub and a massage. Just like the Cherokee and the Germans before us, we needed some healing.Once noon rolled around we headed back for Elmer's and got set up with a place to stay. Elmer gave us a grand tour of the house which was again like walking through time. The house was filled with turn-of-the century furniture and an eclectic array of artwork, books and musical instruments. I took a few pictures but I don't know if they'll do it justice. After getting settled in and taking a shower we were all ready for some lunch. We headed straight for the burger and icecream shop and ordered both! After inhaling my hamburger, I ordered a rootbeer float and reminised about the good ol' days when there was an A.&W. Rootbeer shop in the town I grew up in.At the shop we saw our friend Sylvan and as we walked back out on to the main street we saw a ton of other hikers. Over the next couple of days hikers would be pouring in for the Hot Springs Trail Festival. We stopped and talked to folks who we hadn't seen in awhile and eventually made it back to Elmers.Later on we meet up with the Pain Train and other thru-hikers for a few beverages and enormous hamburgers at the local pub. I'm pretty sure that I ate enough meat in Hot Springs to last me until Damascus.Hi, to all my old work buddies! Lisa, you're getting closer to retirement everyday! Rick, I'll give you a call soon, tell su familia I said hola. Mala, hope you are feeling better and Lisa hope your new job is working out. Hi to others from work that may be reading about my journey. I wish you all well. MikeCarissa, I loved hearing your voice the other day and the round robin of Barney's "I love you, you love me" by Emelia. ------------------------------Refer-A-Friend to PocketMail today and a receive $50 in service or $25 in CASH!