4/8/21 Started out cloudy by then light rain came and climbed Down to Hot Springs. It is definitely a trail town with The Appalachian Trail go to the right through the town. A gear store and just bought a few items but the sun was out and it was beautiful lots of hikers staying overnight but I pressed on As piper was nervous with the traffic. Crossed the beautiful French Broad River we’re people we’re rafting. Walked along the river and then climbed up the rather steep trail back to the ridge. Overall a nice day but still basically hiking alone and set up camp around 830 just at a good spot off the trail