We camped in probably the windiest spot we could find last night. Thankfully it didn’t rain and it wasn’t cold! We headed out early towards Hot Springs and trekked over 9 mostly uneventful spring-like miles.
Morning sun
Trail descending to Hot Springs
Unbelievably, we scored trail magic again for the fourth straight day. It wasn’t a full spread, but nonetheless major thanks go out to whoever left this on the trail.
First healthy food in a while (the bananas at least!)
We got in to town around 11am and decided to stay at a place called Elmer’s Sunnybank Inn. This place is still pretty cheap, but a major departure (a good one) from the low budget motels we stayed at in Hiawasee and Franklin. It’s a mansion with 6 or 7 rooms for hikers and tourists that Elmer himself rents. They also cook huge vegetarian breakfasts and dinners for super cheap. It’s very cool. We decided to take a full zero day tomorrow to rest up and resupply, so I will post some pics then. The rest of the day was occupied by doing laundry, walking around town, drinking a few beers, and eating way too much food.
Vital stats :
Mood – relaxed
Physical state – resting up
Smell – dreamy
Song stuck in my head – Magic by B.o.B.
This continues to be an incredible hike! With your blog, we almost feel like we are there with you. You capture the experience very well. Elmers sounds like a great place to escape, even for nonhikers, and those trail angels truly are pretty special people. May you continue to have great hiking! (I guess it is to early for the rhododendron to bloom?)
Happy zero day! Take some time to relax and rest those feet! We are always thrilled to read your posts…they are most excellent. Be safe; stay healthy. Still sending positive thoughts, many prayers and lots of love your way!
I’m struck by your dreamy smell and consumption of beers. Sounds like nirvana ;). Love y’all!
Checked out the website for the Sunnybank Inn and it sounds like a super cool place! So glad you ended up there. I sent Tom the link because of the ballad stuff. Another neat trail discovery!