Rained hard all day, except for when it hailed. The hike was mostly downhill, so it was reasonably easy except for the rain. I thought Fresh Grounds might be at Davenport Gap (just out of the Smokies) but he wasn't. Still, it felt AWESOME to be finished with the Smokies. I was very apprehensive about going into the Smokies with snow on the ground, but I survived and even had a day or two that I enjoyed!
A guy in a truck stopped at the gap and offered me a ride to the hostel. I said no & he looked at me like I was crazy (it was still raining pretty hard). He said, "it's no trouble, I live just up the road from the hostel" and I said "if I get a ride I'll just have to come back and make up the miles tomorrow". He looked extremely disappointed in me, and said "You're one of those....purists....aren't you?" Yes, I guess I am.
Bunch of crazy stream crossings. I didn't exactly fall in, but I didn't stay dry either. I heard the interstate before I saw it. So loud and weird. Walked on the road underpass under I40, which felt really weird.
The hostel is full. OWL & I talked about sharing a bunk. 21 people in 14 bunks (2 doubles, and 5 on the floor).
Dinner was a cheeseburger, bbq rib sandwich, and a rice/chicken/cream of mushroom soup/mixed veggie casserole. Pretty delicious.
I was really disappointed because I thought I would have cell service (or internet) to be able to talk with AWE. I was *really* looking forward to talking with her. But there was no cell service, and the computer for internet service was in pieces. No phone either, without a phone card. So I was really bummed.
Best hot shower ever. I was so cold when I got here...the shower helped immensely.
It got really really warm in the bunkhouse, and I was pretty uncomfortable, so I ended up taking my sleeping pad and bag and sleeping on the porch. Pretty nice- had a creek running nearby and I fell asleep to the sound of the water instead of sounds of snoring.
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