August 27

I hiked the 10 miles to the road in record time with the thought of breakfast at Fish Lake Resort only 2 miles down the highway. I road hiked with my thumb out, not wanting to walk all two miles if I didn't have to but no one stopped. I ended up wandering a bit looking for the resort as it is not well marked, but did find it after 30 minutes. I ordered a coffee first of all being that I am out of Starbucks VIA instant and still have the addiction. Then for breakfast, a chicken fried steak, two eggs and hashbrowns all smothered in sausage gravy. Three different kinds of jelly came with my toast and I gave them all a try. I usually don't go for cream in my coffee, but they had honey packets and the extra calories sounded nice especially after weighing myself this weekend and finding that I've lost 15 pounds even with all the added muscle. So each of my four cups of coffee had two creamers and one packet of honey. I then finished up with a chocolate malt milkshake and paid my tab with a generous tip. 

I left the resort just before 1:00 pm, but had a difficult time making good time because of the meal. At 2:00 I took a break to dry out my tent, and eat my last apple with some Nutella and also to let my town stop digest a bit. This done, I hiked in the heat of the afternoon until 5:00 pm. By this time I reached the Brown Mountain Shelter, a cabin in the woods I heard about from the nobos. I planned to fill up with water and be gone since it would only be a 20 mile day, but found many excuses as to why staying would be a good idea. So here I am at the shelter camped with the mice and ants who inhabit the place. It's a really neat place if you overlook your company. I have it all to myself other than that though, no hikers have shown up. In 27 miles I will be able to order the best burger on the trail and 13 miles after that I get a lunch buffet. I'm trying to gain some of my lost weight back and look healthy again!