I’m in bed. Yes—BED! I pigged out on fajitas from the local Mexican restaurant, sucked down two Dove ice cream bars and am writing while nice and clean, reclining on comfortable sheets. Tomorrow morning, I get to put on a 36 lb. pack and climb into the Smokies. But for tonight I’m quite content.

Jeff and Nancy Hoch run The Hike Inn as a service to hikers—we’re the only permitted guests. We called and got picked up from the post office, shuttled here, and given a room & shower while they did our disgusting laundry. Then they shuttled to town for dinner and groceries. Tomorrow morning we’ll be shuttled back to the trail. It’s a heck of a deal and they’re wonderful people!

Today was a quick 5.5 miles down to the highway. I walked alone for the first three miles since I’m usually the first to break camp & hit the trail. For me, that’s often around 7am. Once D & the Jaybirds caught up, I walked with them, then Rockhound joined us as we contemplated food & showers.

Tomorrow we’ll start climbing into the Smokies, where we’ll spend the next 5-7 days, often above 5,000 feet. We caught a forecast and it should be good weather, perhaps with a little rain.

We saw our first trillium of the year today and perhaps some trout lily. The woods are waking up.