sleeping in the city park

Day 98 ~ miles 1597.1 - 1607.6

The morning miles to the highway flew by, and before we knew it, we had arrived.  The traffic on the highway into Etna was nearly non-existant.  Luckily, one of the first cars to pass by scooped us up, and away to Etna we went.  Our only business in Etna was a good meal and to resupply for the next section of trail.  After grocery shopping, we stopped into the Etna Brewing Company for delicious brews and food.  Hikers trickled into the brewpub until we eventually had nearly taken over the patio.  Our original plan was to head back out of town this evening, but as the clock ticked and the fun continued, we realized that our plan was probably unrealistic.  The hiker party moved to the city park, which generously allows hikers to pitch their tents for $5.  About a dozen hikers congregated at picnic tables in the park, and carried on until dark.  Sleeping in a city park is a new experience, and it feels a bit uncomfortable and strange.  Back to the trail tomorrow, for real!