Magical Max Patch & Hot Springs

Come to where Mother Nature waved her magical wand and created one of the most rejuvenating of all wonders-natural hot mineral waters. Heated deep within the earth, these crystal clear carbonated waters are world famous for their mineral content and legendary healing powers. And we are going to enjoy the hell out of them!

Note: The resort pipes these waters to modern outdoor Jacuzzi type hot tubs that are drained and sanitized after each use.

Ummm, excuse me,… we’re the AOC! We can’t just sit around and be pampered all day, can we? Ok, you got me. We’ll also visit & hike around magical Max Patch. Max Patch is famous for it’s “Sound of Music” 360 degree views of the surrounding commercial-free mountains. It’s truly magical. Just ask the butterfly... she knows...

There you have it. Breathtaking views and natural mineral rich hot springs. But wait, there’s more! How about some riverside camping? That’s right, go to sleep at night as the river’s sweet lullaby sends you to dreamland. Wake up at sunrise to admire the mountains across the river and the way the light bounces off the water. Kind of like this, but way better:

Then go take a hot shower and make your trip leaders some bacon. And coffee. Please. Ok, fine, we can go to the diner, they’re probably open and serve up a tasty breakfast.

Our itinerary is mostly flexible, aside from Spa time. We have reservations for one hour each night. There are no refunds if you miss it. We will arrive 20 minutes early so we have plenty of time to change. We can either walk or drive over if time is running out. Adult beverages are permitted at the spa and campground; idiotic behavior is not.

Other than that… carpool leaves at 3p.m. and you should arrive between 6-7 Friday night, depending on traffic and twisty back roads. NOTE-PLEASE READ Road closure statement at the bottom of this writeup. Please be green and carpool with at least one other person if possible.

We can do a potluck for dinner on Friday & Saturday nights; if you want to participate, bring something to share with the group and whatever you need to prepare it (serving utensils, stove, etc). Keep in mind, we’ll need to be finished and out of there at least 20 minutes prior to our reservation time. Everyone will need to bring their own plate, bowl, silverware & plastic cups. Alternately, you may want to walk into town (yes, it’s THAT close) to grab a bite to eat at one of the surprisingly good restaurants. You get bonus hiking points; the sidewalk from the campground into town is a part of the A.T.

Saturday morning, wake up! Please make us some bacon. And coffee. Seriously.

Or maybe we can go to the diner again, cause it's awesome. At any rate, we will regroup by 11a.m. and then get into our carpools and head up to Max Patch! We have a few hiking options; there is a short, fairly easy incline straight up to the top. If you truly just want to chill, go that way and just relax for an hour or two at the top. Take pictures of the outstanding scenery or feed hungry AT thru hikers, there might just be a bunch of them. Or take a nap if you want. There is also a beautiful and easy to moderate trail (2-3 miles?) that goes around Max Patch, then back up to the top with a short but fairly steep climb. With any luck, we’ll find some delicious mushrooms to eat for dinner. (Somebody bring a pan and some EVOO or real butter!) After hiking around Max Patch, we’ll meet the others back up at the top. Once we’ve had a chance to exchange stories of our adventures (or naps), we’ll head down as a group and go back to Hot Springs. Some of us will likely want to stop in town and grab a bite to eat, some might want to go to the campground and relax. Up to you!

Be sure to be back at the campground early enough to get ready and get to the spa for our reservations.

Sunday morning, relax, have breakfast, pack up. For those who’d like to see our campsite from the other side, you can walk across the bridge and up to Lover’s Leap.

It’s a steep but short climb to the top, with a lovely view of the river and city below. See?

On your way home, you may want to stop through Asheville-it’s only a half an hour away from Hot Springs.

Amenities:

Each riverside campsite is equipped with a fire ring and water and can hold up to ten people. We have 4 sites so we can spread out a bit. You may want to share a tent or bring a smaller tent so everyone fits on the 4 large group sites.

The campground has hot showers, sinks and flush toilets. These are a short walk from our campsites.

Visit the General Store at the campground for food, beer, ice, etc. The last time we were there, they had a kitchen offering hot basics like coffee, hot dogs & BBQ.

Really good outfitter in town.

Mountains! Hot Springs! Riverside Camping!

Sound good? Wanna go? Please MAKE DARN SURE YOUR PAYMENT IS IN AND PROCESSED BY July 14th.

Note: Hot Springs Resort offers more than just an amazing hour in a natural mineral hot bath! Feel free to contact the spa for a massage, hot stone treatment, facial, or some other spa service. http:/ /www.nchotsprings.com/

Will be sent prior to trip--Road closures may affect some routes.

Hot Springs has been affected by the "weather" they've had the last year or two; I know there are a few road closures that may affect our route(s). We will update this area with that information prior to the trip.

• Riverside camping for two nights
• Space by the Group campfire (your cost includes a few bucks toward GROUP firewood for the MAIN gathering site, but each campsite can purchase their own firewood if you like.)
• Natural Mineral Hot tub soaks each night.

If you cancel on or before July 14, 2013, full payment is refundable less a $5 administrative fee. No refund after July 14, 2013 unless someone from the wait list replaces you and pays in full. You will then be eligible for a full refund less the $5 administrative fee.

Please make sure your payment has been sent and processed by July 14th, or the Honeybadger will remove you from this trip. And you know what happens next! If not, look it up on YouTube.