Giles County

Stealth campsite (596.5) to Weary Feet Hostel/Rt 606 (610.5)
Total Miles: 14.0

Was hoping to breakdown camp and get going by 8:30am before the forecasted rain started. Mission accomplished.

After doing almost 21 miles yesterday, I was looking a bit of a lighter day today (15 miles) and was happy that I did as the rain started in earnest at noon, and continued the rest of the day and night. And temps never got above 42.

A few miles in, I came across the 600 mile marker on the trail (both in stones and in sticks). Hikers usually get pretty creative with these milestones.

Saw Trawler and his wife Tender again (they were slack-packing south, so we crossed). They are very nice and took a picture of me the other day for that day’s journal entry. Trawler’s journal is on: trailjournal/Trawler2024

A few of the hikers I saw were looking to stay at Weary Feet Hostel (610.0 mark) based on being cold & wet, and the stellar reputation of its owner (Julie Sloop). It didn’t take much to get me to join the crowd out of the storm.

The last minute of trekking for the day was crossing a 100 foot long suspension bridge that swayed left and right with each step. (See video).

The hostel is a 1906 Victorian home on 82 acres. The hot water for the shower was HOT, the Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes & greens beans for dinner were HOT, and the chocolate cake was AMAZING.

Great hospitality & lodging for the 4 of us: Upsilon, his dog Zet, Nomad (from Mobile, AL) and St. Bernard (from South Africa).Read more