Day 155: Boots Off Hostel

Start: Cross Mountain/TN 91 (AT mi 449.2). Stop: Boots Off Hostel (AT mi 428.4). Today’s miles: 20.8 miles. Total AT mileage: 1764.7 miles.

I knew last night was going to suck, and boy did it. It was hot and eerily quiet except for other people breathing and occasionally snoring. I think I’m missing sleeping outside in my tent. Sadly, tonight I’m going to another hostel, and it’s been pouring rain all night again, so I have at least one more night in a bunk room.. then a couple nights with my mom (which I’m really looking forward to), and then maybe by Sunday night I can be in my tent.

Much like yesterday, everyone was up and at breakfast by 7:30. Lady Di outdid herself by making French toast casserole with baked apple slices, plus quiche, bacon, fresh orange juice and coffee. I had seconds on the French toast casserole. I don’t think I’ve ever had that before, and.. just.. wow. I’m in love! She also freshly baked from scratch the sourdough bread she put in it. I’m blown away by her culinary skills.

Sam picked us up this morning, instead of Lone Wolf, although I did get to see him, too! There were two other hikers getting shuttled elsewhere this morning, so both drivers came for us all about the same time. I liked Sam. He seems like a good natured country guy, living off the grid in a home he built. He rides his Harley and hangs out at his house when he’s not helping Lone Wolf shuttle around hikers and cyclists. His grandkids call him Papaw, and honestly, I just liked hearing him talk.

He dropped us off at the same spot we went to yesterday morning. The difference today, is that it was still dumping buckets this morning and it didn’t let up until after 11am. I started off in my rain jacket and with my umbrella hooked in on my chest strap. It was nice to have the water off my face, but that’s about all it kept semi dry. The trail immediately went into the woods and was a complete river from the downpours. At first I attempted to side step the deep water, then I realized it was pointless and just started sloshing through.

Finch and I leapfrogged a bit early in the day, and then Lizard and I caught each other around lunch time. We didn’t end up eating together though.I ate sitting on a rock because I couldn’t wait the extra mile to get to the shelter. When I got to the shelter she had just caught me, but hadn’t eaten yet. I considered stopping with her anyway, but my feet were so soaked and all I could think about was getting to the hostel and taking these wet socks off. My toes were feeling like prunes, and each step was starting to feel real tender.

I pushed on and had several minor ups and downs. I at some point took off my jacket and took down the umbrella, probably well before lunch, but I don’t remember exactly when. I had great views from the woods of Watauga Lake. This is the lake mom and I have a cabin on for the weekend! Since I’m getting to the hostel a day earlier than planned, I’m going to slack pack back to Boots Off tomorrow and get picked up from there when mom gets in town. I figured it would be silly to waste a day on her driving in since I wouldn’t get to spend any extra time with her.. and I don’t really need the double zero. I’m thrilled that this lake is so beautiful and that I happen to be at such a scenic spot when she could come to visit. It’s perfect!

I walked over the dam, which had amazing views, and then around the perimeter of the lake. Eventually it brought me to a road crossing and then up a driveway to Boots Off Hostel and Campground. It’s such a nice place! They have separate buildings for the bunkhouse, bathhouse, bathrooms, main hangout area with tables, chairs, picnic tables, a little store for drinks and light resupply..

I checked in, ate 2 donuts and drank a soda. I don’t know what came over me, but I was starved even though I ate a Subway sandwich AND chips for lunch! Ridiculous, really. The guy showed me around. Once I picked a bottom bunk, I unpacked and went to shower. It’s an outdoor shower with a bucket shower head that made a rainwater feel to it. It was pretty cool. I realized in the shower that my hips were rubbed raw from the rain today, and my goodness it burned like crazy in the water. I’m hoping it all clears up soon.. the slack pack tomorrow will help and the zero the following day will be even more beneficial.

I talked to mom a little today, since I finally had some decent service. I think I have her excited about the Karaoke place for tomorrow night.. I mentioned maybe being able to pick up a few friends, too, and she seems ok with that! It sounds like it would be so fun! Like a mini hiker reunion.

Anywho, Lizard arrived shortly after, and once she was settled in a bit, the guy from upfront drove us plus 2 other guys into town. I got another sub sandwich for lunch tomorrow, and then McDonald’s for dinner. Not my first choice, but I won’t lie-I enjoyed the hell out of that Big Mac meal.

When we arrived back at the hostel, Finch was there! He didn’t want us to get him anything from the stores we went to, so he did his own thing for dinner. He played a little guitar down at the main house, and he’s really good. I’m always fascinated by the musically inclined. I want to be able to play an instrument well, but I don’t have the patience to learn it. Im sure I could, but I think I prefer to stay fascinated by the others that play in front of me instead.

It’s almost 10pm and Im in my bunk, praying for better sleeping temperatures. It was perfect, until the other person (none of the 3 of us) came in and turned the heater on. Lord have mercy. I really need to quit staying in so many hostels. I enjoy them and I despise the shared sleeping space and lack of control. All in due time. I’m sure I’ll miss this someday.

Anyway, I think I’m off to sleep before I realize I’m hot! I get to slack pack 23 miles tomorrow and then SEE MY MAMA! I’m so excited 🙂 Goodnight yall!