Time for Some R&R

I met Ward early today at Sam's Gap.  He changed out of his soaked socks and boots and into some tennis shoes that mom packed for me to bring to him.  His feet have grown at least a half-size, which is normal for a long trek.  His boots are also showing signs of wear and tear.  I'm not sure if this is normal for having hiked 325+ miles.

Ward slackpacked to Spivey's Gap while I scouted for a place to stay.  I guess the tennis shoes felt pretty good.  He started out jogging the trail as I drove away.  He feels good and he has lots of energy, but I think he needs to save himself for the long journey ahead.

We planned to stay in Erwin, TN but the food/resupply/lodging options were . . . let's just say . . . limited, at least compared to Johnson City just down the road.  I also dried his gear while he hiked.  Matt took a zero in Hot Springs, so they will likely catch up in 2 or 3 days.

We have had a nice afternoon.  He's updating me on stories, showing me photos, and still talking about Gatlinburg (his initial description was "rathole").  He was intrigued by the "old tyme" photo shops, and the rock store that had a location on both sides of the street.  He stayed at the Grand Prix hotel, which is owned and operated by a nice couple, but which has nothing to do with with Monaco.  Good memories.  The local brew-pub was also interesting - filled with race fans.  He was happy to leave Gatlinburg.  I wish we had pictures.

He has stayed in a number of hostels and really likes them.  Each one seems to be owned/staffed by different types of people.  He really liked one near Hot Springs, a large Victorian-style home, owned by an ordained minister who hiked the trail in the 1970s.  The fellow was well-read and Ward really enjoyed him.  He also met another Navy Seal at one of the hostels - pretty intense fellow in his 60s.  Still in very good shape.  It sounds like there are a lot of former military people associated with the hostels or who live near the trail.

Last night he met an interesting fellow in a shelter.  The man is an attorney from Maine who retired at a young age.  He has hiked the trail twice, and was on a section hike when they met.  He spends time in the Caribbean on his sailboat, but soon plans to teach English at a local college.  Ward received a lot of great advice from the man and really enjoyed his company.  Too bad they were heading in different directions, as their paths are unlikely to cross again. 

We activated his new Spot.  Peace of mind - again.  Ward admitted he missed the Spot, especially on nights when he was alone in a shelter.  The ability to hit an SOS button for help is reassuring, even if it might take hours for help to arrive.   He also purchased an iPod Shuffle (the smallest, cheapest, most portable one) today.  He's not bored, but the hikes are getting longer (lots of 18 mile days) and he would like some entertainment.

We plan to wash his clothes and re-supply tomorrow.  He may purchase some trail shoes tomorrow, and ditch the boots.  A lot of hikers do this after they become comfortable on the trail.  He's also starting to shed (as in mail home) some items he no longer needs, including a coat (!! after purchasing one early-on) and some rain pants that he says they are useless when hiking.

This is fun.  Tonight we're going to dinner.  He needs 5,000 - 6,000 calories a day, and he already informed me he needs to go to Chic-fil-a AFTER dinner to pick up a snack for later.  I'm sure he's lost weight, but he looks good.  We don't eat much beef at home, and he gets none on the trail, so I'm sure he'll take advantage of the opportunity tonight.

Over and out for now.  I'll post pictures soon.