I’m clean. My clothing is clean. And I pigged out at my first AYCE—All You Can Eat. Aaahhhhhhhh.

D & I are spending the night at the Hiawassee Inn, which has been under new ownership for precisely 6 days. Ron and his partner have been awesome, picking us up at the trailhead, and then allowing the 15 hikers staying here to take the minivan and drive to the laundry, grocery and all-you-can-eat steakhouse for dinner. Think about that for a second. How does that level of trust compare to normal life? What incredible people!

My knee is still acting up but is feeling a touch better. We’ve got a few more days before the big ups and downs kick in around the Nahahtala River in North Carolina, at the southern edge of the Smoky Mountains.

We met a number of thru and section hikers tonight, including Brian, Chris, Emily, and Kim. They’re great company and I’m looking forward to taking and hiking with some of them in the next few days and weeks!