AT Day 9: Mostly Down to Winding Stair Gap

Daily Miles: 5.3, Total Miles: 109.4

Two cups of coffee this morning on a “going to town” day. Probably close to freezing again last night but Is stayed toasty in my quilt and puffy.

Pretty hike this morning mostly on ridgelines before dropping down to Winding Stairs Gap.

Just as I arrived, a van pulled in and three hikers jumped out. The trail angel, who was on a van-life adventure, took me straight into Franklin, first to the post office for my resupply box then to my motel. I had to insist on a donation for his trail magic, nice guy and great timing.

The motel is nothing to write home about but relatively clean and conveniently located. I had to wait a long time for hot water and getting the shower to work was a struggle. Busy afternoon with hiker chores but I had a good pizza at nearly Jaxon’s Downtown, enough left over for tomorrow.