Day 29 - Spivey Gap to Nolichucky River

Didn’t want to camp by the road at Spivey Gap, so we stopped a bit before and set up on a nice section of trail where the pine needles were about six inches deep. Had precious little food left to get us to lunch the next day. But luckily, there are better prepared people hiking with us who were willing to share.

Phil gave us a bag of pasta, and Matt handed over one of his blueberry/coconut/pecan pancakes hot off the griddle. Will have to try those at home! Didn’t head out the next morning til 8:30. Pretty easy walking most of the way, which was nice.



Made it to Erwin a little after 12:30. Uncle Johnny’s is right off the trail, the first thing you see. We had been warned us about this place -- how Johnny would try to get money from you in any way possible -- putting a cup of coffee in your hand and then asking for $1, for example. But it hasn't been like that at all.

First deer!

It’s a really nice place with a huge front deck, stereo playing all the time, big clean bathrooms, level ground for tents. I like it a lot.

Got our first maildrop package here -- jacket, contact lenses, toiletries, postcards, some food. After everyone got settled, we got a ride into town. First we did laundry, then food shopping (always dangerous on an empty stomach -- especially so if you’re a hiker).

Dave and I got separate baskets and loaded up for the next three days -- total came to $75! Obviously, we got more than three days’ worth -- but we’re going to have to carry it nevertheless.

Then we all went to La Hacienda for some cheap Mexican food, followed by a movie (O Brother, Where Art Thou?). Hit the sack around midnight.