The trail today had about as much variety as you could pack into 16 miles: we started with a walk beside the French Broad River (where we were so close to the riverbank you could just feel the river’s energy and power). We then climbed up to the Lovers Leap overlook (where we had amazing views back down on Hot Springs), then walked through masses of mountain laurels (which we may have mentioned more than once is N’s very favorite plant!). At Tanyard Gap we had a one lane road to use as an overpass over the busy US 25/70 (another AT first for us). We had a steady 1,300′ climb to a short detour up the Rich Mountain Lookout Tower (where once again we had perfect visibility for the panorama view). We had short sections of gravel roads, sections of thick shrubs forming the “green tunnel”, and climbs up broad slopes where we hiked in the full sun (not a lot of fun on another very warm afternoon). The only complaint was the scarcity of water sources on a day when water was in high demand.

In the late afternoon, just as we were trying to decide on a stopping point, here came a call from our friend Lizzie Watts, just back from a multi-day trip to Nashville, who insisted on the chance to spoil us rotten in Greeneville, Tennessee. She drove out from town to pick us up at Hemlock Hollow, then enlisted the aid of friends and neighbors to fix us a steak dinner and get our sweaty clothes cleaned. N’s still sore back (from a nasty leg cramp our last night in the tent) was most appreciative for both the long, hot shower and the extra night in a bed.

If you believe it takes a village to raise a child, well, it takes an army of friends and family to be successful thru-hikers! We could not be doing as well as we are without the prayers of support from those of you back home and far off, and offers of comfort away from the trail expressed in the form of bed, bath & beyond. Thanks, Lizzie and company. You’re the best!