Erwin TN

4/30 & 5/1 Day 39 & 40

• Miles hiked: 14.8 & 0

• Shelter: Super 8 hotel room in Erwin TN

Another nice start to beautiful day. We had our sights set on Erwin, TN. We have been putting in 12+ miles a day for the past few days and putting our bodies through the ringer. We knew we needed a break.


After a few miles we caught sight of the Nolichucky River and you would have though we hit the jackpot. We were so excited. Little did we know... it was a long long way down.


I happened across this fella. It never fails... I'm always in front when we come across a snake.

We hit the downhill hard. All of my joints were hurting. Upon reaching the road, we immediately waved our thumbs and caught a hitch to Bojangles. Two spicy chicken club sandwich combos (with sweet tea, of course) made almost everything better.


We then walked to the hotel and started our chores, shower/laundry/resupply planning. Once the chores were completed, we caught another hitch to the Mexican restaurant two miles away (yes we were still hungry).

After eating, I went to stand and my left leg seemed fine but my right knee cap was not in the right place. It wouldn't bend. After a second or two I worked it out but it was very disconcerting. We caught a hitch back to the hotel and iced the knee immediately and decided on a zero the next day. After some googling, we have assumed it is runners knee. I watched some videos and taped it up with KT tape before we left.
 
In our time in Erwin, one thing that really lifted our spirits was a few packages we received. Becca, Tami and Kirby put together a package perfect for a thru hiker. Thank you very much for your generosity and love! And Adam sent Russ a loaner ultra lightweight fishing rod for the trip.


While in town we indulged in some local fare, Dr. Enuf. It's a soda drink from Johnson City TN that is basically carbonated sugar water. No flavoring, no gimmicks, just straight sugar in a glass bottle.

We also had some Pals cheeseburgers and frenchie fries. We are not going hungry.

Since Hot Springs Russ' new fangled shoes were giving him a hard time. His feet hurt and his Achilles was tight every day. He sent them home and picked up a new pair of Topos. The same shoes he started with. He is satisfied with this decision. A friend local to the post office helped him package them up.

Russ has new shoes again!

We rested and we enjoyed Erwin. The people were so nice, especially the hitches we received and we are so thankful for them. But we were more than happy to hit the trail again!