I set out after Tapeworm and Meta today for the 7 mile hike into Erwin. The walk gave some nice views and a chance to feel strong. I got to pet a mole wandering my feet, and saw deer, a salamander, and woodpecker today (I typically only hear them). James passed me pretty early on, and shortly after Mr. Fantastic caught up and joined me for the rest of the trek. We passed James as he ate his lunch overlooking a nice view (as pictured).
Walking down to the street drops you off right at the hostel, but nothing else. There we met back up with Meta and Tapeworm, but also Reidiculous, Lavender, and of course Pearl the dog. Mr. Fantastic and I were the only people that needed to get into town, so set off for the 4 mile hike with thumbs raised. After about 2 miles a pickup pulls over with Golem in the passenger seat. Laughing we jumped in the back. He dropped us all off at the IGA, which wasn't our actual destination, so we set off toward town. We got picked up pretty quickly and chatted with a local who was on his way to the Y for a basketball game with co-workers. We asked him where to eat, and he went out of his way to drop us off at the Hawg and Dawg. Lunch was great! I got BBQ pulled pork nachos and turtle cake with ice cream. Made my day!
As I was eating I decided to download the Paypal app, as my aunt Linda and uncle Bob had donated to our cause (walking and eating). I was surprised to find that I had multiple donations made, so I want to say a hearty and grateful thank you to Bill, Theresa, Linda, Bob, and Vince! I will eat as much as I possibly can to say thanks!
After lunch we walked to the laundromat, threw on our rain gear, and finally properly washed our clothes. It had been 10 days. Mr. Fantastic went over to the post office, while I dealt with laundry and caught up in Game of Thrones. Also made my day!
Resupply was next, and Food Lion was the key. We bought 4 days worth of food, and both seemingly overdid it. My pack is overstuffed at the moment, but I'll quickly eat away that problem.
A kid in the employ of the hostel came to pick us up, and was an amusing conversationalist. He talked about how he's a hiker, kayaker, caver, climber, etc., but that hiking is his most dangerous sport. He then told us about how section hikers just don't understand him when he does things like shout at a tree. Unfortunately I could relate.
He dropped us directly at the trailhead, and we dove head first into the forest. Our heavier pack weights don't seem to affect us nearly as much anymore, and I for one am grateful for that upgrade. We had 4.5 more miles to hike and it was a glorious walk. We wound back and forth across a water falling creek, and passed James and Reidiculous who were on their way back to town for the beer and pizza challenge. To play you have to hike back to town from the shelter, get 3 pizzas and a case of beer, and bring them back.
We came up to a packed shelter, the most crowded since we were in the Smokies. Meta and Tapeworm hiked further on, but we had with us James, Optimus, Waldo (they found him!), Reidiculous, Lavender, Golem, Chief Kickin' Wing, and some people I hadn't met. One of the new people was the guy that my mom and Vince gave a ride to. He said to say "Thank you so much!". It's fun how that sort of thing happens out here.
It was looking like rain so I quickly set up my tent and organized my gear. After that I pulled out my bear bag and went to town. It wasn't until I had thoroughly stuffed myself that James and Reidiculous rejoined us with goodies. They carried the pizza in a solar blanket, and beer in a pack. It was pretty amazing, especially with so many people gathered. I counted 20 people in total!
We sat around a massive fire, stuffed bellies, sipping on some cheap beer. It was a great way to end a busy day. This was the first time we've walked right through a town, and it felt right. We're on our way over Roan Mountain shortly, and after that is when they say to get rid of your winter gear. I'll be happy to lose a couple more pounds! Tomorrow is a lot of climbing and I feel ready for it, especially knowing that things are about to start leveling out.
