April 17, 1997 (Day 29 – milepoint 269.8 – Hot Springs, NC)

I was preparing to get back to walking again today, but Elmer asked me if I was interested in another day of work at the Inn. He didn’t have to ask twice. Along with Inn staff members Frank and Mun, we went up to a piece of property Elmer owns in the mountains about seven miles out of town. They plan to turn 5 out of the 14 acres into a huge garden from which they can obtain almost all of the food they need to feed their guests at the Inn. We spent the day with shovels, and rakes, and implements of destruction, digging and raking and establishing rows for planting. I don’t have much gardening experience but I learned a few things and enjoyed myself thoroughly.

Interesting folks, Frank and Mun. Frank, very quiet but open to discussion if engaged, spent about four years as a hobo, hopping trains and traveling around the US. “A cheap and exciting way to see the country,” he said, “you never knew where the next train would take you.” He spoke of the dangerous aspects of the lifestyle and of the cultural idiosyncrasies within the hobo community. He wrote about his experiences and said that there was a book somewhere. Boy, would I love to find a copy. Frank followed that experience with an extended trip to Thailand where he met Mun in a Buddhist temple. They eventually came back to the US and are Elmer’s only staff members this season.

Upper body very sore from the garden work. Turned in early, smothered with about 5 layers of thick blankets. I like this place so much that I am definitely moving on tomorrow.

Aquaholic

April 17, 2009

Hey Aquaholic,

Cool things happening around the world.