goodbye, sleepy little town

Day 99 ~ miles 1607.6 - 1620.3

It seems that we never get out of town as early as we intend to.  We awoke in the park early, at 6:30, and slowly packed up our belongings.  We had loosely arranged an 8am ride back to the trail that we didn't want to miss.  The town was so quiet, we wandered the empty streets in an attempt to get something to eat.  Even the coffee shop and grocery store were closed!

As trail time usually goes, our ride ended up departing town around 9:30, and we were back to the trail by 10.  A huge group of hikers was getting back on the trail, around 10 of us!  Our sluggishness was extreme, and it didn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.  We trudged over the exposed trail, with temperatures much warmer than they have been the past several days.  Lunch break couldn't come fast enough, and neither could camp.  After several days of too little sleep, we decided to keep it to a short day and make a good night of sleep priority.  Several deer have wandered right by our campsite by a small pond, including a big buck.  We're in the tent before dark, and I can't recall the last time that happened...very exciting!  Hopefully we'll be well rested tomorrow.

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!