Some Reflections on Max Patch and Hot Springs Day 1

As I look back over my description of Max Patch, I realize that I didn't do it justice. This place is one of the most beautiful on earth, and a great place to bring your significant other for a picnic or to camp overnight. If you don't want to hike, you can actually drive almost all of the way to the top and park. I had originally planned for my wife to meet me there and camp overnight, but because of her schedule, it didn't work out; we will definitely do it at a later date since we live close enough. It really was too cold on this trip to stay at the summit for more than a few moments, anyway. The following pictures were grabbed from some video I shot on the way. Great dog. Great views.

Yesterday afternoon after we arrived in Hot Springs, we walked from the hostel to the shower area where I could wash some clothes in the sink. To get there, we had to pass over a bridge that was all metal grate. When I first got Forest, he would do everything to avoid walking over metal grates that he could see through. On Johnny Mercer's pier in Wilmington, NC, he would take a flying leap and jump over the grate rather than walk on it. This picture was taken from a video I shot after I waxed Forest's paws and put on his booties. I don't know if it was the booties, or if he just trusts me enough now to follow me anywhere. I like to think it's the latter.

The following picture was taken at the trailhead in Hot Springs. You may have to squint a little to see the road sign at the top. Springer Mt., GA: 265 miles to the south; Mt. Katahdin, ME: 1,914 miles to the north. A little more progress every day.

When I got up today, I had every intention of checking out of the hostel and going to camp across the bridge on the river to fish. Instead, I saw this face and decided he deserved a lazy morning. He's having so much fun hiking, but it's up to me to judge when he needs a zero as much as I do.

This afternoon, I went to the catch and release area near the bridge into Hot Springs with another veteran. I caught some trout using a Badger Tenkara Scout provided courtesy of Project Healing Waters Healing Saturday and a friend, Jason Sparks. The yellow fly I used was provided courtesy of another friend, James Carey. As I've walked the Trail, I've been spreading the word about the great work the Project Healing Waters organization does to other veterans that I meet. Many thanks to you all for helping me mainline some happiness today! 😁