Date: 2003-07-20
From: Hanover NH (Panarchy House)

To: Hanover NH (Zero Day)
Miles today: 0.0

Day 129 Avg Mls/Day 13.4Weather: Nice, mostly sunny Low 80's, very pleasant.Well, it was probably a mistake to waste a zero on a beautiful day, but I wanted to wash all washables and get cleaned up. I do get rejuvinated when I take a day off to eat well and get a hot shower and some rest. I've said it before, I feel better hiking out with a full pack than in with a lighter one...after a zero. Having said that, they're calling for rain the next 3 days so I may have blown a great hiking day.Started the day with a fantastic breakfast at a local bakery/cafe. One of those "2 of everything" plates...plus a homemade style cranberry/walnut muffin.Sitting next to me at the counter was a sophomore student, who is majoring in Middle East languages and government. She was very nice and yet another student met who appears on track for a bright future.Sat on a bench on the green and composed some email responses. While there, yet another young lady sat down to do some reading. We talked a bit and I believe she said she was in pre-law...another bright student...I thinks that's 5 in 2 days. I then went to the Outdoor Club center to use the internet. Visited trailjournals.com and caught up on some hikers.Went back to Panarchy and packed up as the Motel was picking me up at 1. Shot the bull with Swift and Coop before taking off.Got to the Sunset where I did my laundry and showered. As I was checking in, one of the cats liked me and my ballcap. BTW, a very clean and modernized older motel. Great bed.Got an email from Charlie's wife, Rosemary. Charlie may be back on the Trail a week from tomorrow.   They still need to read some xrays but we're all hoping it's nothing long term. Will keep you posted, but may be away from communications starting Friday.After hearing from Julia, I hitched 2 miles back in to Hanover. Stopped by the Panarchy where Swift had been doing more cleaning and organizing. It almost looked like you could live there. Met a nice young lady SOBO thru-hiker, Best. Coop was still there, waiting for his wife to pick him for a visit on the Trail.We all chatted for awhile and Best was the only one who wanted to go to dinner at this time. Swift told us about hikers (they call us campers) being invited to eat at the campus dining hall AYCE supper. Best and I walked over to the dining hall and, even at $9.75 plus tax, it was worth it. They had soft serve for desert and I brought back an orange with me. We also had a great time talking about the Trail and some of our experiences.We said so long, and I went next door to use the internet again for an hour.Hitched back to the motel for the night. Stuck out my thumb and got picked up by the first car. An excellent young man, James, was quite familiar with the Trail and knew of Baltimore Jack as a local resident. We chatted all we could in the 2 miles I had to go. Enjoyed meeting you James and thanks again.Well, back to the Trail tomorrow rain or shine. Should be in Glencliff on Wednesday. No real town as such, but a couple of former hikers have a hostel there. Might offer rides to next town for dinner.Thought for the Day: Don't try throwing the pot scrubber/sponge in the wash...it breaks up in little pieces that sticks to the clothes.