AT Day 21: A Nero in Hot Springs NC

Daily Miles: 6.8, Total Miles: 275.1

Never a straightforward descent but I did eventually get down to Hot Springs. I saw two more whitetail right on the trail on the way down.

First stop right off the trail was the Laughing Heart Hostel on the edge of town. I stopped and washed my sweaty hiker clothes for $5. While waiting, coffee and good conversation with Speedy, Red Dog, Stitch, a young Dutch hiker, and Shower, a retired game warden.

I moved on to the Smoky Mountain Diner for a yummy lunch joined by Stitch, Galaxy, and a few others. All I had met on my first night in GSMNP.

Checked into my quiet little cottage by the river and made some headway on my hiker chores. Later, I had tacos at the local brewery. Great entertainment on karaoke night including a thru-hiker performance!