This morning, I got a wake-up call. Barely conscious in my hammock, I heard “Firewalker!” I bolted up and saw Indiana! At first, I assumed it was a dream, since I did a bit of the math in my head. I did around 60 miles since I last saw Indiana, while he was staying in Gatlinburg. But it was reality, he was there. He is one fast hiker.

He was about taking off, so I didn’t have much time to chat, but it was awesome to see him, and I knew. I would see him again soon. “French fries and coke!” he shouted as he started down the trail – motivation for getting into Hot Springs today, which was on everybody’s mind.

It was a somewhat rugged but fairly brief hike into town, and it was so great to get there. The town of Hot Springs is certainly a quirky one, any small town is, but it has a rich history if being a trail town. The trail goes right down Main St., so the town is accustomed to and generally welcoming of hikers.

This weekend also happened to be a Hiker Bash, so there were free meals and events, and quite a few hikers spending time in town. It was awesome to see a few hikers that I had not seen in a while, and have plenty of free time to catch up. While on the trail, everyone is moving, usually at different paces, so it can be difficult to have a conversation at length with many hikers, but not here.

Also, being in town has some great perks: showers, burgers, laundry, and plenty more. So far, I have accomplished the first three and am working on the “plenty more” part. It is a hiker party here! Now that the burger is out of the way, we are headed for the free chili dinner. So many hikers here, it is wonderful.