Started late, went for a frozen pizza at a hostel three miles in. Was a rather Southern experience…

After that, a steep climb up in the heat, followed by a change in weather for the worse. Light thunderstorm followed by strong rain. The umbrella I bought in Hot Springs really helped in the rain, but I have to get a system going to attach it to the pack so I have my hands free for the poles.

Decision by committee got us a night in Nature’s Inn Hostel after unsuccessfully waiting out the rain under the highway bridge at Sam’s Gap. I’ll answer to “Platinum Blazer” soon probably.

The hostel is really good though, the showers alone are better than everything I’ve ever seen. And there’s a fireplace in the common room (!). Got homemade pulled pork for dinner.

This will result in extra miles tomorrow, but that’s future me’s problem. An umbrella fixation system has been cobbled together with string and hiker box supplies, seems to be sturdy. Tomorrow we’ll see if it holds up when used in anger.