We had a pleasant visit in Hot Springs, NC.. back at mile 273. We had planned to just get in and out and re-supply for the upcoming week but "The Hiker Ridge Ministries" blessed us by paying for a room at The Sunnybank Inn.
This historical hiker hostel run by a kind and gentle man named Elmer in his late 70's, housed Earl Shaffer ( the first thru-hiker in 1948).
The side view of The Sunnybank
Gregg enjoyed the fully equipped music room and Elmer really enjoyed Gregg's music. We had a family style home cooked meal and sat in the living room afterwards to chat.
The wooden floors, big rugs, full bookshelves, quilts on the beds, good food & conversation and a loving English Shepard dog named Carter made us feel right at home.
The next morning we were planning on leaving but just couldn't seem to. We helped in the garden and Gregg played some more music.
Elmer in the middle
The Inn is staffed by former thru- hikers and Elmer himself completed a thru-hike in the '70's.
As we tried to leave once more, Elmer asked us if we really had to go. So we set up our tent in the backyard and decided to stay another night. Elmer took us out to dinner and that evening we watched an interesting film on the history of the music of the Appalachian Mountains.
The next evening we camped up on a ridge at 4500 ft elevation which made for a very windy evening and beautiful sunset.
Over the next week we had some fun and interesting climbing parts of the trail. At times we had to double check to make sure we were headed in the right direction. Always looking for the white blaze!
"Hiking" Big Firescald Knob
Awesome view from the top.
Small path through someone's private property.
Crossing the NC/TN border
Near Roan Mountain
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