Hot Springs to Erwin

Day 26- Hot Springs

We hiked a Nero (nearly zero miles) today into Hot Springs. The trail came out right near Laughing Heart Hostel so we got showers right away. They had a large variety of clothes to wear around town allowing me to wash all my clothes which was much needed and appreciated.

After starting laundry and beginning errands I finally got my longed for breakfast at the diner in town. I enjoyed a great veggie omelette, potato wedges, and an English muffin with jelly.

We managed to get our resupply done and our food reorganized by 2 pm allowing Rainman and Preacher to take our packs ahead for a slack pack day tomorrow. Chameleon and I went to soak in the hot springs for an hour. That was really nice and relaxing. It was a funny experience to be walking around a new town all day but to constantly see people I knew.

Day 27 

We slack packed for the first time today! I thought for sure we would move a lot faster without packs on. We ended up hiking at our normal pace but it was a lot less effort without the weight on my back.

There were five of us who were able to slack pack today thanks to Rainman and Preacher's generosity. We had lots of conversation and high spirits on the trail without packs!

I twisted my ankle but I think it'll be okay. After picking up our packs we hiked a few more miles to the next shelter. All in all we walked 19.6 miles today!

Day 28 

By the end of hiking today my fun factor was quite low. My ankle was feeling much better, but my other foot and arch hurt from overcompensating. I was definitely ready to be off my feet by the end of the day.

We stayed in a small campsite with just the three of us. We built a fire and hung our bear bags. It was a very nice and relaxing night and I am in a much better mood.

Highlight of the day- having enough cell reception on a beautiful mountain ridge to call my brother!

Day 29

I just realized we have been hiking for four weeks! It doesn't feel like it has been that long at all.

Today was a great hiking day. We had warm, sunny weather with a cool breeze. In the morning the trail went along and crossed a mountain stream a number of times. Hiking next to rippling water is always enjoyable. Later we had some great views overlooking valleys. It is wonderful to watch spring arrive. I've been trying to get pictures of all the different wild flowers I see.

We also were lucky enough to encounter trail magic twice today. I certainly had enough to eat and came away with extra snacks too.

It is interesting to meet new people each day. It is also fun to run into some of the same hikers over and over. Wharton and Walle are two in the latter category. Wharton loves to sing around the campfire. Thanks to my mom, we know many of the same songs! One song that no one knows but everyone loves is "Waltzing with Bears." I'm so glad I learned so many songs around the campfire as a kid!

Day 30 

I walked most of the day with my head in the clouds. Rain was predicted but fortunately it didn't really hit us. It was a bit windy and damp but I never had to pull out my raincoat!

At 8:15 pm and I have been the only  one up and about for at least half an hour. I will likely be in bed by 9, but it just seems so funny to me that I am the night owl. I think it happens because I sing, journal, then write my blog update, and potentially add a bit to my next newspaper update. It's quite the evening routine but I enjoy it!