Eggs, hash browns, bacon, toast, orange juice, coffee and the like. Awesome. Pretty much the same group from the bar came for breakfast. Portions are generous. Prices are awesome.
Much of the areas and towns we have walked through are somewhat impoverished. Not much in the way of employment down here. Some agriculture, trout farms, restaurants and cabins and lodges for vacationing or hunting and fishing. So life is pretty simple here. It’s a slower pace as well. Outdoor life of hiking, camping, hunting and fishing is big. Guns are a big part of culture. Saw a store with the slogan “Drugs and Guns”. You guessed it; a drug store that sells ammo and guns I’m told.
Life style is very laid back. Think of the Andy Griffith show in terms of the pace of life and colloquialism and you get the idea. People are very friendly and folksy. There is a certain southern charm to the area.
I walked down to see the hot springs they are noted for. They are on the other side of town (a few blocks) over the railroad tracks just before the river. They have hot tubs (like people have back home) set up behind partitions which they pipe the mineral water into. Maybe large enough for 6 to 8 people. I’m sure soaking in hot mineral water is nice but it just looked ok. I did not go in.
Took a stroll to the French Broad River which skirts past the Edge of town. Very pretty here. Pictures never do it justice.
Still pretty full from breakfast and looking to get some vegetables in our diet we had so we had salads for lunch at the Iron Horse Station.
I’ve been drinking a lot of water and Gatorade trying to hydrate. Still not feeling up to speed so I’ve decided to tell ADD and BAMA that I have decided to go into Asheville for a couple of days to sight see and recoup. I actually had Asheville on my list to see anyways. I want to see the Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate. I also have the impression it’s a quaint little southern town. Not sure why I do because I’ve not really done any research on it, just heard good things about it. I guess we’ll see. I would probably forego Asheville to stick with the tramily if it weren't for my health but I am concerned with the possibility of passing out and having more serious health issues on the trail and the next trail town is approximately 5 hiking days away. At the top of my list for hiking the trail was health and safety. So I’m breaking up the tramily and going into Asheville to get more rest and do some leisurely sight seeing. Hopefully that will get me back on my feet where I will fill comfortable continuing.
Had dinner at the diner and beer at Creekside with the other hikers. Word has spread that I’m breaking off. Cousin, Wheels, Jimmy Trails and others wished me the best and encouraged me to consider resuming my trip after Asheville. It was nice to get this encouragement. I may never see these people again. Good folk. They are made of hardy stock.
Most of the hikers here are heading out tomorrow although there is still a steady flow getting into town every day. The hiker bubble is still passing through although we are on the back end of it. We plan on having breakfast in the morning so I’ll see some before they go. Others will leave very early before breakfast to beat the expected heat.
I packed everything up, made reservations for a shuttle to Asheville (about 35 miles) and a hotel near the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. My tramily plans to meet for breakfast at 7am. ADD and BAMA will hike on from there and I will return to hostel to wait for my 9am shuttle.
Now it’s time to sleep. 💤
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