Davenport to Hot Springs

A couple of miles before arriving, we walked under our first major highway, Interstate 40. Notice the white blazes on the road sign.

Once we arrived (all nine of us) we were greeted by a man named Curtis, who ran the hostel operations. With a concerned look on his face he told us there were only 4 bunks still available.

Then with a sly grin, he said, "Well, I guess you guys could stay in the barn".

Without a second thought we collectively said, "We'll take it!".

As we headed to the 100 year old barn, dark clouds began forming above. The change in weather made us feel like this was the right decision. That night, Tornados ripped through the Eastern Tennessee and Virginia area, killing several and leaving a wake of destruction behind. We were very fortunate to avoid the very severe weather, but did enjoy a powerful thunderstorm with an awesome light show. It may have possibly been the coolest place I've ever experienced a storm. We found out that morning that all of the hostels power had been knocked out during the night. Luckily, thru-hikers are well prepared for lack of electricity.

(The Barn)

(Panoramic photo from inside the Barn)

(Sage trying to Navigate over the very tricky bridge)

After a quick breakfast, and paying the $15 fee to sleep in the barn, we continued north. My next big destination would be a gorgeous mountain bald, with 360 degree views, called Max Patch. Here I would meet my Girlfriend, Pam who would be joining me for the next 20 miles. Pam is a very athletic woman, who ran Cross Country in College. Even with my hiking legs that had become well conditioned over the last 250 miles, I would find it hard to keep up with her at times. This may have had something to do with the fact that I was carrying 30 more pounds then her, but probably not. She is a strong one.

(Sitting on top of Max Patch)

(Pammy G on Max Patch)

(Looking up to Max Patch)

After hiking a few miles we stopped for lunch and to filter water from the nearby stream. I cooked us both a homemade meal of dehydrated spaghetti and vegetables, which she seemed to enjoy. Once we filled our bellies, we continued on to our destination which was 10 more miles. At camp, we met back up with my hiking friends, enjoyed some dinner and hot coco by campfire before calling it a night.

The next morning we would make an easy 10 mile cruse into Hot Springs, NC. I lightly mentioned to Pam to keep her eyes peeled for snakes, because they love sunning during a hot day like this. Like me, she isn't very fond of snakes.

About halfway to Hot Springs, I decided that I needed to rest a minute and take my 40 pound pack off my back. Pam asked politely if I minded if she kept hiking. I didn't mind one bit, and relaxed for about 5 minutes before continuing on. Now, that Pam had gained quite a lead on me, I needed to hustle to catch back up with her.

I finally found the wandering Pammy jamming out to her iPod about thirty minutes later. I followed behind her a short ways before she stopped and turned my direction. She very calmly said, "Baby, is that a snake?". I peaked over her shoulder and immediately saw what she was talking about. It was a fat bellied Black Snake laying across the trail absorbing the sunlight. I slowly walked up to the snake to get an idea of how we would pass. This 6 foot snake was in no hurry of moving. After a failed attempt of negotiating for his territory, I tapped his tail with my hiking pole. He didn't like being disturb one bit. Moving much faster than he originally eluded, he turned to me in the strike position. I found myself in my first ever starring competition with a Black Snake. In an attempt to appear less threatening, I took a step back.

Once the snake realized that we meant no harm and only wanted to pass by he began to slither up the trunk of a near by tree. Yikes! It hadn't crossed my mind until now, that I should also be looking out for snakes in the trees too.

That afternoon, Pam and I reached Hot Springs, NC. At the trailhead was an information bulletin board for hikers. It made my day to find letters and artwork about the Appalachian Trail ABC's from 4th Graders of Hot Springs Elementary school. Their letters were very informative and encouraging.

From the trailhead, we followed the A.T. marked sidewalk into town. It was about a mile before we entered Hot Springs.

(Hot Springs, NC)

Tired from the days hiking, we found rest on a set of shaded steps on Main Street. The first thing I did in town was walk over to the Dollar Store and purchase two ice cream cones. I figured that I better get two in case Pam wanted one, but if she didn't, I would be happy to help her eat it.

Hot Springs is the closest spot on the Appalachian Trail to my home in Asheville, NC, which is about 45 minutes away by car. After about an hour of lounging in town, my cousin Seth arrived to pick Pam and me up to go back to his house. Seth is married to my cousin Julie, and they have a beautiful home and three lovely kids.

Once we arrived at their house, their kids (Caleb, Adam, and Annabel) seemed to be super happy to have Pam and I visiting. Caleb and Adam immediately wanted to hear about my hiking adventures and rummage through the contents of my 40 Lb backpack, while Annabel wanted to spend most of her time with her new best friend, Pam.

(Caleb, Annabel, and Adam playing in my tent in their backyard)

Caleb wearing my pack. I'm pretty sure it weighs as much as he does.

                                       (Julie, Laney, Pam,Caleb, Me, Lucie, Amie and Annabel)

 

It was a great end to a wonderful week to get the opportunity to spend time with my family and share with them all, the exciting news from the trail. The boys were a litte sad when I told them that they couldn't come with me to Maine, but quickly perked up when we made an agreement to go camping together as soon as I return home.

The next morning Pam dropped me off back in Hot Springs, where I met back up with my hiking friends, who were preparing to start the days hike. They handed me a handful of flattened coins, which they laid on the nearby train tracks for entertainment. I am starting to notice a deeper bond between the group of estranged hikers. They are now even referring to our collective group as "the Tribe". I like it and felt proud to be reconnected with them again. But it's time for the this tribe to start moving north. Next stop; Erwin, TN.

Happy Trails!

TIN MAN

After passing Davenport Gap, which was a heartfelt goodbye to the Smoky Mountains, we marched on towards Standing Bear Hiker Hostel in Hartford, TN.