Day 22, zero day, total miles 273.9

I was able to watch the Championship game last night at the Spring Creek Tavern. I wish the game hadn't started so late. By the end of the game Guard and I were the only hikers there. They usually close at 10:00 pm but stayed open for the game. I was very tired by the end of the game, but I was determined to watch all of it. Sorry Jeanne, I was rooting for Louisville.  Spring Creek makes great pizza. I had black olives, banana peppers, and mushrooms. Delicious! This morning Rabbit, Great Legs, Guard, and I ate breakfast at the Smoky Mountain Diner. There aren't many choices. It's a very small town. There aren't any traffic lights that I saw. Guard went back on trail today. Rabbit and I are sharing a room at Sunnybank inn hostel. It's in a house built in 1875. It's a cool place. Very comfortable. Rabbit and I washed our clothes at the laundry mat. We both spent some time at the Hiker's Ridge Ministry. They have computers and wi-fi service available. They also have free cookies, fruit and drinks. I also refilled my fuel container there for free. Julie was the lady there helping people. Very nice. Rabbit, Raider and I had ice cream at a small cafe. I had brown sugar with bacon. I don't see it catching on. Spent a little time looking in the outfitter and the Dollar General. Beginning in Erwin I will have to resupply myself at whatever store is available. I have done mail drops up to now. Rabbit and Great Legs were making suggestions. I talked to Garbage Man and Caroline, they both now have trekking poles. Caroline got a pair for free from the hostel, they were left by a hiker. I got a text from Phys Ed, him and Sequoia are in Hot Springs. I spent some time sitting in a rocking chair on a second floor covered balcony. Very relaxing. It's a warm sunny day. I ate dinner with a group of backpackers. There was Rabbit, Raider, Caroline, Garbage Man, Phys Ed, Sequoia, Great Legs and myself. I had pizza again with different toppings. After dinner Rabbit and I went to Hot Springs Spa. We sat in a hot tub with 103 degree spring water. Raider did it earlier in the day and said he felt great afterwards. So we thought it might help us with minor aches and pains. It did feel great. We are back on trail tomorrow. I hope to get in a lot of miles. We may have rain Thursday into Friday. A couple people have asked about sending me a card or note. I'm okay without it, but if you would like to here's an option... Jeff Smith, c/o General delivery, 211 North Reynolds Street, Damascus Va 24236-9998, hold for AT hiker, ETA April 22.