After the Smokies

After the GSMNP Chef and I were reunited at Standing Bear Hostel. 
 

Had a nice lunch and view at Max Patch. 

 

Hiked to Hot Springs, NC. 

 

Relaxed in Hot Springs. ( Rock Steady and Chef napping on the porch )

 

Played in the French Broad River behind the cabin. 

 

Wildfires (from previous weeks ago) had burnt a lot of the mountainside in Hot Springs. It was interesting to see how and what the fire burnt. Legs is the hiker in the photo. We hiked a day or two in half burnt forests. 

 

Meadows are one of my favorites to hike through. 

 

After a 9, 17.9, 15, and 2 mile day, a shuttle picked up a group of 9 thru hikers (and a dog) and drove us Damascus, VA. Trail Days, simply put, is like the Appalachian Trail festival. Tent city is where hundreds of hikers and hiker supporters pitch their tents in the outfield of a baseball field and surrounding forests. A short walk away are vendors and food trucks and other tents selling or advertising. Churches and ministries support the hikers by providing shower and laundry services as well as a constant supply of food and other goodies. There was a vet there who gave chef a quick look over. He's doing well but I did notice a sore on his nose after we visited the vet. I got my feet washed and massaged. Needless to say they pamper the hikers. I speak for all of us when I say it is all greatly appreciated!

We picked up where we left off after the 3-day hiker party. Two states have been completed and four have been touched. Won't be too long until we get to Virginia again.