We are currently at Uncle Johnny’s Hostel in Erwin TN. Judy “Steamy “ developed shin splints which is an irritation of the facia/sheath over the muscle next to the shin bone. It is very painful and swollen. We went to urgent care to make sure there was nothing else to worry about. So a few days of RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) is required. Bummer! We had packed 9 days of food from Hot Springs so the added weight didn’t help. The hiking has been beautiful. Nights are still chilly but not freezing. We finally saw a rabbit, a deer, and 2 lizards 🦎!  Heard a Great Horned Owl at dawn yesterday, and the birds are singing to Spring. There are not many flowers yet, but the ferns and mosses are varying shades of green. Erwin is a cute town. The Hostel staff have been wonderful! Big Bald Mtn 5500+ ft TN portion-beautiful waterfall.  We hope to ease back to hiking Sunday with a possible “slack pack” day. Hostel staff drop us off 8 miles north and we ...