Date: 2003-05-24
From: Front Royal VA

To: Front Royal (Zero Day)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Day 72 Avg Mls/Day 13.2Weather: Partly cloudy, some sun...at least no rain. High temp around high 60's.As I said yesterday, this was the best place to take a zero between SNP and Harpers Ferry. I did get to sleep in a little. I was laying in bed with the door cracked when Charlie stuck his head in and said good bye as he took off. Once I got around, I went across the street to the gasmart/Dunkin Donuts for breakfast. Charlie had left a box he wanted me to take to the Post Office. I dropped it off on my way to the library.Got to the library at 9:30...didn't open until 10:00 so I walked to a gasmart and got an ice cream bar. Got back to the library just before they opened. Non-cardhilders are dharged $1 to use the internet and they only had 4 computer terminals. But, they were very nice and receptive to hikers...much friendlier than the librarians in Waynesboro. Here they let you stay on as long as no one is waiting. I answered some messages I had on my netscape address and then visited trailjournals. Since I didn't go to Trail Days, I was interested in hearing from those who were there. Liteshoe did a nice narrative and a collage of pictures. Sounds like everyone had a great time.About 11:30 I had to leave to let someone else on. Took a walk and ended up having lunch at Wendys...had two Frostys. Went back to the library and got back on the itnernet at 1:00. Edited and updated my trailjournals and read the journals of some of the thru-hikers I had met or coresponded with. Sat next to Lucky who was also taking a zero. We chatted for a few minutes. Finally left at 4:00. Next, I visited the shopping plaza which has a new outfitter. Most hikers are under the impression there is no outfitter in Front Royal and think they have to wait until Harpers Ferry to get gear items. The store had my Asolo boots which I might have bought had I not already ordered news ones through LL Bean. They had Super Feet also, but not the model recommended for hiker boots. And, they had Mountainhouse food but I have enough for now.Dropped in the supermarket and picked up a box of Famous Amos chocolate chip pecan cookies. These are going to be my preferred high calorie snack food for the rest of the hike.Went out to dinner at Anthony's Pizza...had a nice personal pan pizza.Came back to the room and watched some TV while doing the day's journal.As I was writing this, I heard a voice outside calling, "Skeemer...Skeemer..." It was Goldberry and Lucky with other thru-hikers I hadn't yet met, Orb, String Bean and Lady Walks Alot. They were all going to dinner and ask if I'd like to go along. Even though I had just had pizza, I could still eat something. And besides, I owe Goldberry for her and her Mom's generosity and trail magic. We ended up at a place called The Village Idiot. Had some good food; then went out for ice cream. Had a nice time. They had to stop at the grocery while I had to get back to receive a call from Julia.Will head for Dicks Dome Shelter tomorrow. I tented there last summer on my "shakedown hike." Shelter isn't so hot, but it had a good tent site...just hope the forecast is dry tomorrow night. The day after tomorrow is Bears Den Hostel,   Thought for the Day: Nearing the halfway point, meeting new hikers and still seeing ones there at the start.