February 24, 2017
Six days into our hike we stopped at Top of Georgia to resupply, take showers, do laundry, and cook a couple of hot meals for ourselves. From the trail, we walked half mile down hill along US Hwy 76. We arrived at 12:30, with just enough time to check in, shower, don scrubs provided by the hostel, and catch the 12 mile shuttle ride into Hiawassee, GA. We had an all-you-can-eat meal at Daniel’s Steakhouse, then waddled over to the grocery store to resupply. We both bought food for six days, to hike to Nantahala Outdoor Center, 70 miles away.
Back at the hostel we enjoyed cooking more food, relaxing in the spacious great room while the hostel did our laundry, and taking a good night’s sleep in a bunk room. We got to talk with many other Georgia to Maine thru hikers. The hostel staff were incredibly helpful and friendly. It was a wonderful break after a week of lovely hiking!
Jay bought another sleeping pad at the hostel’s outfitter shop in hopes that it would allow him to sleep better and relieve lower back pain that flared up after the first night on the ground. Sarah weighed her pack on the front porch scale. Way too heavy after adding all that food! (24 pounds)
All told, we spent $50 on shelter, $5 on laundry, $20 eating out, and $165 on food to cook and carry. We also spent $340 on a new pack for Sarah (ordered from Zpacks online) and $70 on Jay’s new sleeping pad. Whew! I think it’s time to head back to the woods!
Sarah and Jay Hike 