April 17 - Positive Zero

Post date: Apr 18, 2012 12:18:54 PM

The four hikers, “Austin”, “Bucket”, “Spiderman”, and “Five Pair” (“Boots” resurfaced in Hot Springs but is burning his own trail now), took a zero day today. A bit of wash (more for some than others), mail drop pickup, food, and rest was the agenda and all points were covered. The hostel, Elmer's Sunnybank Inn, is a 1840s home with gracious hosts and staff and a perfect respite for the weary hiker.

The additional positive in the day at Hot Springs was solid cell phone service which allowed for updates to the hikers’ respective Ground Controls which was a very welcome change to the “climb to the top of a hill, dial, don’t move if you get a signal and hope the wind doesn’t shift” routine.

The hikers are all doing well and are looking forward to moving on after this well deserved rest following the Smokies but a rather large storm has found its way to the area and there are hopes that the stronger part of the weather system passes south of them. Time will tell.

273.9 miles complete/1,910.5 miles to go