Heavy.

I started my sixth day with a great sunrise atop Tray Mountain. I had a 10-mile descent into Dick’s Creek Gap, where I had booked a bed at Around the Bend Hostel. The plan was to arrive early and take it easy for the next 24 hours.

I arrived at the hostel at around 2 p.m. I immediately put on a pair of loaner clothes and threw my sweaty garments into the wash. I was able to take a nice hot shower while my clothes were washing. I put a frozen pizza in the oven while I was gathering my clothes. There is no better feeling than slipping into fresh clothes while enjoying a hot meal. The pizza was gone in two minutes, and my mouth was burned.

This was my first hostel experience, and it will not be my last. The hosts were excellent, and the guests were memorable. I made a few more trail friends whom I am sure I’ll be seeing more of in the future.

My original goal was to reach the town of Hiawassee the next day, resupply, and take my time getting back on the trail. I ended up scrapping that plan when I discovered Around the Bend had all the supplies I needed. I grabbed a few meals and snacks for the coming days, as well as some much-needed sunscreen.

I took it slow the next day and did not leave the hostel until about 1 p.m. The four miles into Plum Orchard Shelter weren’t too bad, though my legs are starting to feel a bit heavy. I am definitely going to take a true zero day in Franklin in about three to four days’ time.

I am currently on mile 74 of the AT. Completing my first full week on trail.