Sherpa update

Hot Springs North Carolina is really small time America. It amazes me that people live in places so small and rural. Although I really don't know how far it is to the nearest big town. But it isn't right around the corner for sure. It gives me new perspective to driving "off island" to get things at home.

The other thing that is amazing to me during this trip is the fact that you can drive on and on and on and not see anything but trees and mountains, no people, no houses, no gas stations, no stores nothing. But I have to say that 90% of the time we did have cell phone connectivity. Thanks Verizon. Keep up the good work.

Our routine has been to drive to the pick up spot and then to the drop off spot so I know where to get Jim after his hike. All spots are obviously places where the trail crosses roads and there is an area where I can park and wait for him to arrive. On yesterday's trip we were not able to find the spots outside Hot Springs where the trail crosses the road. Everywhere else there was an AT sign on the road and a little pull off area next to the road where you could park. We saw a gas station with a couple of older guys sitting outside talking so we decided to stop and ask them if they knew where the trail crossed the road. When Jim asked them if they knew where the trail crossed they told him if he wanted to find the trail he had to go up on that there big mountain. So needless to say we never found the crossing. But the trail does go right through the middle of the town we are in so Jim is still able to hike. He just has to go out and back or call me and tell me where he is.

So today Beau and I did a nice walk through town which took about 10 minutes even at Beau's pace. Then we hung out at the cabin. We did some housekeeping chores, one of which was to bathe Beau. You haven't lived until you've tried to get a 75 pound Basset into a shower. We both got a bath. Then we went out on the deck and sat in the sun to dry out. I read and he slept. Before we knew it the hiker was back and we all went down to Sweet Perfections for ice cream.

There is a hotel and bar here for lease. Jim wants to check it out. I don't think that will be happening.

So tomorrow we do more of the same and Sunday we head out for Virginia. It should be about a 5 hour drive.

The weather has been nice the past few days. It has been sunny and warm and I am even wearing shorts now. Hope that trend holds.

TTFN