Hot Springs NC. Mile 273.9

Left Walnut Mountain early with the goal of doing 13 miles into Hot Springs. Did the first 6 miles in record time, just short of three hours. Got into Hot Springs just after 3:30. Seems like every hiker on the AT had the same idea. All the hostels were full including the one I wanted to stay at with the gourmet vegetarian breakfast and dinner. So, plan "B" was... Camp out. Ten of us shared a campground in town with cold showers and flush toilets. Had a good dinner with reasonable prices. Downed two 22oz Fat Tires to celebrate my first 13 mile day. Actually more since I wondered aimlessly around town for an hour trying to execute plan B.

Did laundry and hung delicates on line to
Dry. At laundromat had some drama as some hiker put dirty clothes in dryer with soap. Don't think his mama learned him too well.