4/24 Monday: Hot Springs, NC to Little Laurel Shelter (19.6mi)

Had breakfast at the Hostel, good company around the table with 10 residents presents. Its these special interactions that I seem to crave after being essentially alone all day with my thoughts in the woods. After a great breakfast I pay my bill $36 for 2 nights and breakfast and I grab my gear and Im off by 0900. A quick stop at the outfitters for some extra fuel for my camp stove and Im on the trail again... All my friends are either staying an extra night or leaving later... I want to try for a big day... I get into Spring Mtn Shelter for a very quiet lunch, until just before I leave Willow shows up. Shes a hiker who injured herself in the Smokies, says shes better just taking it slow now with a bum knee...what a trooper... She cant weigh more than 100lbs and is probably carrying 30lbs of gear...amazing when you think about it...Best of luck to ya Willow...
PICTURES:
1. Saying goodbye to Hot Springs from the hills North of the village...
2. Some of the easier hiking earlier on in the day... And what a beautiful day it was. This is a section Jackie, my wife would love...;)
3. Some lovely spring flowers, a bit different than anything " have seen before
4. Yea, thanks guys for reminding us!!! All I got are 2 treking poles to fend them off... No bears seen today... Still...didnt need to see that sign...
5. A number of grave stones are located along the trail in NC... Im not sure of their connection to the AT but am sure of one thing...They all appreciated BEAUTY...
6. Approaching my lunchtime date at the Spring Mtn Shelter built in 1938, Willow would arrive just as I was departing.
7. The late afternoon sky, an omen of bad weather to come...