We departed Hot Springs this sunny, windy morning at 7:30, following the AT markers down Main Street, over train tracks and across a bridge before we were back into the forest. Our initial climb was very steep and overall today was another day of significant elevation gain and loss. We ate our lunch on top of a fire tower on Rich Mountain with great views but very high winds and quite chilly temps. Our goal today was 15 miles and we ended up at 16.5 at a stealth camp site just off the trail. The next shelter is another 3.5 miles and a very steep climb so we opted to save that until tomorrow. Near the end of our hike today we passed the log cabin of the Southern Cookie Lady. Just a short distance from the trail, Peggy provides a free cookie, filtered water and trash collection for thru hikers. As we helped ourselves to the cookies and water, Peggy came out to speak to us. A retired Special Education Teacher, she was very sweet and spent 10 or 15 minutes talking to us about our hike. So far this year she has baked over 700 cookies for hikers who have stopped by. Last year she baked over 2,300 cookies. The first cookie is free, any additional cookies she asks for a donation of $2 per cookie. We all left her a small donation and thanked her for her generosity. The camp site we are at tonight has no cell service so I will post this blog at the next available opportunity.