Made it to Hot Springs in two weeks dispite the miserable cold weather in the Smokys. 35 degree rain and in the 20s at night - yuck. But, what I find more disturbing is the rumor mill and whine factor. There seems to be tons of negative stuff going around re. all the off trail places. Heard bad things about the Blueberry Patch, Rainbow Spgs, NOC, Elmers, Johnny’s, Miss Janets, etc. Most is just BS, but I can’t help wondering why hikers seem so critical and spread unsubstantiated rumors. High point of the trip so far was the"new" Standing Bear Hostel. Its great. Wasn’t here last time I went through Davenport. It could soon become one of the best on the entire trail! And it makes MT. Momma’s redundant.
Old Man