Blazing a Thompson Trail on the AT: April 17, 2016

The day started off with church services at the 1st Presbyterian Church, conveniently located across the road from the hotel. Churches along the A.T. are used to seeing people in hiker gear sitting in their pews. Hopefully, AFTER they have found showers!

Dennis caught up with them! Bad news/good news....he has "plantar fasciitis," meaning the ligament connecting the front of the foot to the heel is over used and over stretched (huh, wonder what caused that?) and develops minute tears. Repeated use of the damaged ligament results in inflammation and fasciitis...a sharp, stabbing pain on the bottom of the foot near the heal. Commonly known as 'runner's heel.' That's the bad news. The good news is it is treatable and the doctor prescribed a special shoe insert with a a hole where the ligament attaches and additional cushion support surrounding that area. He thinks he will be able to finish the hike.

They set off with the the plan to meet up with one of Jill's hiker friends. Jill met 'Harvest' back in 2008 when Harvest hiked the trail and stayed at Jill's place. She was happy to see Jill again and excited to reciprocate the hospitality Jill had shown her. Harvest met them in Hot Springs and took their gear to her farm. This allowed our group to 'slack pack' with just water and snacks. Jill said it was a long 'up' and they were glad they weren't carrying full packs. I borrowed some of the pictures that Jill posted to her trail journey.

They hiked past Lover's Leap (no one jumped) and enjoyed the view above Hot Springs.

Southpaw, Ken, Chicken Feet, IWOX, Zack

They have been joined by Chicken Feet, a friend of Limey's (I believe). Chicken Feet is in his late 60's and a very nice man.

Harvest and her husband own an organic farm called 'Root Bottom Farm'. What used to be a junkyard has been transformed into a working organic farm. They have a website and I enjoyed learning about their wonderful 'down to earth' farm. They even participate in the area's 'Farm to Table' dinner series. Check out www.rootbottomfarm.com.

Ken's back has been really bothering him and he is not sure if he will continue or come back home with me when I meet up with him next week. I pray that whatever decision he makes, it will be one without regret. Chicken Feet helped bring him relief with a shade-drenched message.

Jill's nephew had to head for home and caught his ride at Tanyard Gap back to his car.
The remaining hikers were picked up by Harvest and were taken to her farm. Dinner was held on their party deck and Ken said it was delicious!