Franklin, North Carolina

March 3: I walk through water for miles and hit Rock Gap around noon to pee. I finally have crappy cell service and try to call dad and fail. Don from Baltimore Jack’s Hostel is here to give me a ride to Franklin, North Carolina.

Don is great and gives me a tour and tells me that he did  some Houston wrestling at the Coliseum, which I got to see a wrestling show at in junior high.

Don’s got a little outfitter in his lobby, but I’m more interested in getting warm and dry. Shower, change, unpack all my wet stuff. My shoes are drying above the window unit as Don recommended and I’m off to lunch in socks and sandals.

Rollie Pollies for a very good beer and cheese steak and off to Lazy Hiker Brewing for a beer, where I catch up with one of the Beatles.

I do not have any real injuries at this point. I have a couple of extra bruised toe nails, but nothing else. My pace is relatively slow, but those who are rushing are really hurting.

So, Lazy Hiker Winterland Ale and a six pack of  Trail Candy IPA to finish the night. They also gave me a postcard to send off for free and a marker to sign their thru-hiker poster.

Franklin2

Off to outfitter Outdoor 76, where I pick up gaiters to hopefully keep my feet drier and more paracord because I got a little  stuck in the tree and a beer. They have about eight taps in the back of the shop and two dogs.

Back to the hostel, clean clothes, and repacking I’m done in Franklin at 7 p.m.

Tomorrow Franklin, North Carolina, to Nantahala Outdoor Center.

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Comments 2

  • Kameryn Darrington : Mar 3rd

    I hope that’s the last of your failed calls! lol Keep it up!

    Reply
    • James Aguilar : Mar 3rd

      Good evening Kameryn. I specialize in overcoming failure. I’m not sure about tomorrow, but a couple days ago I had to go off trail to get around a bush. I fell twice trying to get back to the trail. Great day! I got back to the trail and I know I’ll fail again.

      Reply

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