The Vermonsters' Hot Springs Vacation

After hiking big miles and nearing 300 in three weeks we've taken a bit of a break in a small town called Hot Springs (NC). We've been hiking with a group over the last week and after our stop in Gatlinburg, TN the six of us polished off a "Vermonster" from Ben & Jerry's (look it up; it's insane!) in 20 minutes we have taken the name on. Stew Ball, one of the dudes in our group, lived in Hot Springs for the past nine years and got us the hook up; a roomy cabin with a natural hot spring hot tub two nights for free! This kind of thing is pure luxury to anyone, but for hikers there isn't a word to describe the thrill we all had. We hiked into H.S. on Wednesday and it's now Saturday. Nick & Rach are debating on hiking out today or staying one more night at the "cat hole" (private property along the river owned by friends of Stew Ball's), which is where we camped last night. This way we can take full advantage of "Trail Fest" a festival put on by the town of Hot Springs for AT hikers. Those of you who know the town of Lake City where Rachel is from will appreciate the fact that Hot Springs is about two - three times smaller than L.C. Gotta run, will try to write from Erwin, TN in about five days!