Day 24 April 30 to spring Mountain Shelter

After spending the night in a cabin by the Creek in Hot Springs I had breakfast and set about to get ready to leave.  I mailed a package home.  It was my down vest that I don't need now since it getting warmer.  I also mailed my bounce box to my next destination in Irwin Tennessee. 

After having some lunch at the this little restaurant that was attached to the cabins I set out at 12:30 for the ten miles to the place where I would camp.

Crossing the French Broad River brought memories of when I did it back in the early '80s.

The river is almost out of its banks.

There was a lot of climbing!  The first was 2000 ft followed by two 500s.

At one point I came upon a little lake. 

I saw my first snake. 

And then it rained.  I couldn't wait to find the shelter.

Alas, it was full so I pitched my tent and had dinner of rice and broccoli while the rain continued.  I hope it's sunny tomorrow.