It's been a long time since I hiked the trail in 1980, so don't blame me if I get some details mixed up. I'm basing this blog on my memory, not on notes or journals. After the Smokies I remember getting to Hot Springs. The trail went right by a hostel run by a group of Catholics. A hostel is not a hotel, but it is a place where hikers can get a bunk and a shower and take a break from being outdoors. The fee per night was low, and some of the guys actually did work to pay for their lodging. I just paid the fee. I was just glad to have a brief rest to recover from some hard hiking.
The actual town of Hot Springs was about a mile farther. I left my pack at the hostel and went into town for a little while. Later I was back, resting at the hostel when a female hiker showed up fresh off the trail. When I say "fresh" that also means she carried with her the odor of a hiker who really needed a bath! She also did not shave, and she wore hiking shorts. Let's just say that she wouldn't have won any beauty competitions. She also carried a can of mace with her to keep away any attackers! I really don't think she was in any danger of being attacked by anyone anytime in that condition! She asked about town and decided to go, but refused to leave her pack (afraid that someone would steal it). One mile into town she did some shopping, then trudged one mile back with her heavy pack.
This morning I weighed in at 182.0 pounds which means I am still making progress. Eating a salad yesterday helped, but I did eat a small piece of cake last night too. You don't have to starve to lose weight!
No comments:
Post a Comment