After 5 long days I finally arrived in Hot Springs, North Carolina today. I’ll stay on the Appalachian Trail-er and take a much-needed zero tomorrow.
Route report
It started raining at 3 in the morning and didn’t stop until 9 in the morning. I packed up and left at 7am. My tent, backpack and some other equipment are completely flooded and in disrepair.
I arrived at Hot Springs around 2:30 pm Once there, I quickly took everything out of my backpack and began the process of drying things. The hostel washes your clothes for you, which is awesome, so I gave it to you too.
I went to Smokey Mountain Dinet for dinner. They have an Appalachian Challenge Cheeseburger. If you don’t know, I’ve been craving cheeseburgers. Had 3 half pound burgers. If you finish it, you get free dessert. Of course I finished it…and dessert!
Thought of the day
After watching Max Patch yesterday, I want to encourage everyone to get out and see God’s creation. You don’t have to do something crazy like climb the AT. You can drive to Max Patch and walk the loop trail. It’s easily done in an afternoon.
Come out and see everything God has created!
people i met
I ran Popcorn again today at the hostel. I haven’t mentioned it before. It started the same day as me. I was able to talk to him more today. I hope to continue meeting him along the way.
Plant of the day
Today’s plant is the hooked buttercup. I’ve seen some of these left.

bird of the day
Today’s bird is the black warbler. This bird attracts a lot of attention for its flaming orange throat.
“Blackburnian Warbler (71064)” by Rhododendrites is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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