We had the biggest surprise of the trip today! Boots or Rockhound called and arranged a shuttle with Miss Janet of Miss Janet’s Hostel. After hustling down the last mountain and across the Nolichucky river, we found Melicca, Green One’s wife (also my sister-in-law and the person doing such an incredible job on our food/supplies mail drops!) She decided to come south to visit for a day and even brought their golden retriever—Bogie!

Rather than our expected stay at Miss Janet’s very full hostel, we ended up at the Holiday Inn Express. I got to split a room with Rockhound and had the joy of an extended stay in the incredibly powerful shower. A great bed and a phone right next to the bed (luxury!) and HBO on the television. Miss Janet has one of the best reputations on the trail and deserves it. Although all her rooms were full she shuttled us from the trail to her house and told us to make ourselves at home while she did a few more shuttles. She even welcomed us to use the shower, laundry, and told us she’d find us other accommodations for the night. Amazing! Holiday Inn was great, but for $15/night, you gotta stay at Miss Janet’s!

I had a great BBQ pork sandwich and a pound of sweet potato fries for lunch. Then I killed the rest of Melicca’s lunch too! After two hours of phone calls, we headed out to a mediocre dinner at Blackwood’s BBQ. That experience was salvaged by the free banana cake for dessert, however. Then I ordered a pizza to take back to the hotel as a midnight snack and spent 2 more hours on the phone. Ahhh….

It was great catching up with family and friends. I spent over 2 hours talking to Heather, my fiancée and transcriber and was surprised by the news that she’s planning to come to visit next month in Virginia. I’m psyched! She also played the violin a little so that I could hear our dog sing along. What a wonderful day!