Day 168: Hot Springs, North Carolina

Start: Spring Mountain Shelter (AT mi 285.9). Stop: Hot Springs, NC (AT mi 274.9). Today’s miles: 11 miles. Total AT mileage: 1918.2 miles.

All throughout the night, chestnuts fell from the trees above and pelted my tent. Before I put the earplugs in, it would make me jump every time one made contact. Once the earplugs were in, I slept so good.. I actually got up at 7 and got going by 8. Everyone else was still asleep, except for one of the sectioners in the shelter, who waved bye to me as I passed him.

The terrain was mostly easy going, a few small climbs but overall downhill all the way to Hot Springs, North Carolina. The trail had some pretty views, visible barely through the thick trees. There were a couple of spots to get a good view, including “Lovers Leap” and switch backs down the mountain until eventually walking along the French Broad River. The river was stunning and wider than I expected.

When I got to the road before climbing up a set of stone stairs to the bridge, a cat darted out to me and practically forced me to pet it, pick it up, and scratch its belly. I mean, I’ve never been a cat person a day in my life-but it is really starting to happen without my consent. Apparently being single in your 30s just attracts cats, regardless of your personal preference for them. They are starting to grow on me.. lord help me!

I walked through town and stopped in at an outfitter to resupply. I got my goodies and then met back up with Lizard across the street at a restaurant.. I ordered so much food and came no where near able to eat it all. Lizard struggled to finish hers too. We shared some appetizers, which didn’t make it easy for our entrees. We had jalapeño poppers, cheese sticks (homemade with meat in them), and tater tots with my hot fingers and her burger. And a beer or two, of course.

After lunch we walked over to the Hot Springs Resort and Spa. I booked a mineral spring soak in a hot tub at the spa, so we checked in and got taken back to our “spa location.” It was along the river and really serene. Our hour soak seemed to fly by, my muscles the happiest they’ve been-well, since the bachelorette weekend in the jacuzzi.. haha. It was fantastic! I was a prune by the time the guy knocked and told us our time was up. We got out and found some picnic tables to sit at and dry off-the resort doesn’t offer towels, and naturally we don’t carry one, due to the weight.

We dried out before getting our clothes back on, and then walking back to the little downtown area and going to the brewery, Big Pillow. They had live music starting soon! We got our beers and at some point got more food-tacos this time. Then enjoyed the singing and apparently stand up.. one guy got up there and started telling Halloween jokes.. him laughing at himself was far more funny than the actual jokes. It was a good time.

At 7:30, Sunshine from Happy Gnomad’s Hiker Hostel came and picked us up. We wound through the mountains for 15 minutes before getting there, to this perfect hiker haven. I got a private room, unpacked and showered, happy to be warm and dry in a cozy bed. I’m quite content here. Alright, it’s bedtime. Sweet dreams, y’all.