Day 69 - Wednesday, May 19, 2021

We spent our 2nd night at Uncle Johnny’s Cabins & Hostel in Erwin, TN. The showers did not have hot water yesterday.... no hot water again this am. Spoke to owner she was “surprised” and said the gas company is coming today to check things out 🙄. The toilets ran out of toilet paper, the garbage cans  were overflowing as they have not been emptied in 2-3 days and the bathrooms were not cleaned during the time we were here either 🤢.   I’m thinking this may be the norm and the younger hikers may not complain.  There was a hiker who wanted to purchase laundry detergent from the hostel’s general store. They wanted $5 for about 1/4 cup of powder detergent. He walked away shaking his head. I brought him to my car and gave him a laundry detergent pod. He was very grateful 😊.  Donald Trump has a name for places like this ...🤭. I give Uncle Johnny’s 👎👎👎. I would have given it 4 thumbs down but we did meet and chat with some nice people. 

Overnight temperatures were mild as it did not go below 60°. Daytime temp expected to reach 80°.

Today we continued  hiking from River Road, Unaka Springs Road, Erwin, TN (344.2 NoBo) to Spivey Gap, US 19 (333.1 NoBo) for a total of 11.1 miles. We began hiking at 9:15 am and the temperature was already 64°.

More rhododendron tunnels. They should all be in bloom in 2 more weeks. The heat that is expected may move that up. 

I keep telling myself... it’s just a walk in the woods. Today was actually an enjoyable day hiking; trail was soft and there were not that many roots and rocks to challenge your balance. “Sunny” Eberhart  isn’t a fan of rocks and roots either... “they tear you up!”

Stopped for a break in the cool rhododendron tunnels. They are a godsend in the heat of the day. 

I understand that on Turtle Power’s Facebook page there have been comments of why is he always last and a reference to the “Alpha Male” was made. Yes, typically the “Alpha Male” in a wolf pack is in the rear protecting and keeping charge of his pack. The old and feeble are in the front setting the pace, the young are protected in the middle, surrounded by the nurturing adolescent wolves.  In a small wolf pack, the “Alpha Male” always runs first, leading the pack; taking responsibility and charge of the old and injured, protecting the group; sometimes going ahead checking for danger and when all is safe, he may then either wait for the pack or goes back to join them. Now think about it, Turtle Power is 476 years old in dog years, one doesn’t get older and more feeble than that;  and if by chance a bear is pushed away by the “Alpha” (aka “moi”) but then doubles back and flanks him from the rear I can only 🙏🏻  it is a quick and merciful kill...🤭. This should clarify things once and for all...😉🤫.

Overlooking the Nolichucky River.

Just a sign we saw crossing the bridge over the Nolichucky River. It was interesting how we noticed that there were not any cars in the local Baptist churches parking lots this past Sunday morning but they were all full Sunday evening at dinner time. We were not sure if they have dinner together after services? 

We finished hiking at 2:10 pm. The skies were clear and sunny. The temperature was 74°.

Till next time.... Happy Hiking  🥾 

😋

“You gotta have passion for life and passion for something that you're going to get up and do,".    

                                Meredith “Sunny” Eberhart