Ecclesiastes 1 - 12
Laurel Fork river campsite to Boots Off Hostel (plus 5 mile round trip detour into town for resupply) - 6.3 AT miles hiked today - 428.4 total AT miles hiked.
Today’s plan was to hike into Hampton to pick up my box at the post office, resupply, and then head back to the trail and hike 12 miles to get through bear territory. Unfortunately Rick woke to additional foot issues including blisters on his bad foot. We adjusted our plan to just the town trip and then a short hike to the local hostel called Boots Off.
We made it into town by 9, stopped by the post office and picked up my forwarded (and reforwarded) box. It included my lighter sleeping bag and some food goodies. I packed my heavier, winter bag into a box and sent it home. We stopped into a diner for a full, hot breakfast with all the fixings.
We then went to Dollar General for resupply, picking up the staples, and some treats. I also bought a pool float for $10 to use as a sleeping pad, until I can get a real one in Damascus. Hopefully it does the trick for the next several days.
After resupply, we headed back to the trail, passing an old Sinclair station. It brought back fond memories of my Grandpa Leeds, who worked at a Sinclair in Sullivan Illinois when I was a kid.
The five or so remaining miles hiked to the hostel included a 2.5 mile unrelenting incline that took me most of the afternoon to complete. The balance of the trail was downhill and an easy walk into Boots Off.
Upon arriving, we were treated to trail magic in the form of free cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chips, and more. A pleasant surprise and allowed us to avoid buying dinner.
The hostel itself had a funky vibe, with outdoor showers, a bunkhouse with 8 bunks (I got a top bunk - again), and a fancy outhouse. This is our first shot at a bunkhouse experience, so we’ll see how noisy the experience is.
We’ll see how Rick’s foot is tomorrow before determining the day’s plan.
Until next time...
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