Dave (ADD) was sick last night. Heard him puking in the middle of the night for a while. Everyone is fearful of getting the norovirus but I think he had a little food poisoning. He was complaining about his stomach a little at the end of the day. Since he was only throwing up that’s what I think. With Norovirus you go and throw. Norovirus is very contagious.
In the morning Sandy headed out and I hung back with ADD to be sure he was ok. We have about 12.8 miles to do today to get to Hot Springs. Right off the bat we had a serious climb followed by several smaller climbs. I prefer to get the climbing done early in the day when my legs are fresher. More ridge hiking please. Not too many views today because of foliage but the foliage is beautiful. Lots of flowers, mountain streams and the like.
Temperatures warmed up into upper 70s. The humidity is higher as well. In fact today may be the first day I really noticed the humidity. One good thing is that the foliage is out even more to protect us from the sun. ADD seems to be doing ok although his energy level is down a little. We are enjoying the trail’s lush foliage and fauna, mountain streams and waterfalls. Periodically we passed or got passed by other hikers. So many interesting characters on this trail, young and old, both genders, hiking alone or in small groups. Each seem to have a story to tell. I’m amazed at the number of people from overseas hiking this trail. Countries I’ve counted include: Sweden, Germany, Japan. Australia, New Zealand, England and Israel.
The last few miles of today’s hike were a descent into Hot Springs. Descents don’t cause me as much exertion as the climbs but they are tougher on the knees. We’ve been pushing big miles the last several days, at least they are for me. On the way down deer were crossing the trail but ran off down the hill as we approached. The terrain is steep off the trail but it didn’t seem to hinder them.
The hostel we stayed at was right on the trail just as we made it to the edge of town. It’s called the Hostel at Laughing Heart Lodge. When we arrived we got a cold soda and slumped at a bench. Then we pulled our pack into our room and prepared to clean up and do laundry. Good lord we need a shower.
The owners or caretakers were out back by the bench and welcomed us. Very laid back like most hostels on the trail. So different from what I am used to. They are also very friendly.
When I was unpacking and getting ready to clean up I bent down to pick something up and blacked out. I don't really remember falling only I heard the thud of my body hitting the floor and someone calling out several times if I was alright. Kind of an out of body experience. Had to pick myself up off the floor. So I sat down for a while before I showered and did laundry. Felt a little better in a few minutes. I am worried about my exertion, nutrition and hydration and blood pressure levels.
It was mid afternoon so Sandy and Dave went in to town to look around a little. I was still woozy so I stayed at the hotel and rested. I needed to reassess my situation.
After a few hours I felt better and walked into town (a short walk) for dinner. I went to the Smoky Mountain Diner. Boy are things cheap down here. Got a full dinner with drink for about $12. Portions are large and food tasted great. It’s country dining and I'm loving it. I think the hiker hunger is setting in.
I met No Heart and Nightingale at the diner. We’ve been leapfrogging them for weeks. I think both of these guys are veterans. I know No Heart is. He was special forces I believe and saw some serious action in Afganistan, Good people to hike with. They got to town yesterday and took a zero day here today. They will be heading out tomorrow. I think we will zero tomorrow before heading out. So I ate dinner with them and felt a little better. After dinner we walked down the street a block to Spring Creek Tavern & Inn to meet up with other hikers and have a beer. It’s a nice place with a creek running along side it. We sat outside on the porch where we could watch the people fishing and enjoy a beautiful evening. The place was full of hikers. The group at the table I sat at included the following starting at 7 o’clock and going clockwise; Jimmy Trails, Chris (Cousin), Nightingale, No Heart (with head down), someone I didn’t know, Wheels, Sandy (now with trail name BAMA), and ADD.
Those are predominately hikers at the other tables as well.
We had a good time discussing trail stories, catching up on whereabouts of people we’ve met on trail and the like. There have already been a number who have left the trail. Others are ahead and some behind depending on their speed and other factors such as zero days taken. Good to hear about all these. I nursed a beer and drank water. I'm feeling better but still woozy at times.
The three of us shared a single room with three beds the first night as three separate private rooms weren’t available until the second night. We’ll move to those tomorrow.😊
I’m concerned about my blackout. I was woozy the night before and still a little light headed tonight. Tomorrow is a zero day so I will think about this in the morning and see how it goes.
Time for sleep. 💤
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