June 16 - Zero Day

I thought it was going to be a fun filled day of hiking when I woke up. I got out of the bunk and walked over to the door. I noticed two things. First, the sky was cloudy. Second, two of the three other non-AT hikers (the ones who said they were hiking the AT but we all think they were just bumming space) were sleeping outside on the concrete just outside the door. I had heard them walking around at 3 or so in the AM, but never heard them walk outside. It was a little different. Anyway, I checked the weather on my phone and noticed it sad rain starting at 7 and t-storms coming in around 10. That gave me a good reason to not hike especially with the climb and ridge walk we had right out of town. A side note, the mountain on the ascent out of town is an EPA Superfund site. A zinc plant/furnace was in the area in the 80's. The smoke and result of the burning of zinc has destroyed the mountain. Most of the side of the mountain is bare. A few tree exists, but most were killed off or look burned. It is a sad sight.

Deciding it would not be smart to hike in storms, I started to walk over to Fusion's bunk as he was starting to stir around. Together we decided we would take a zero. For him, it would be only his second zero for the entire trip thus far. We both got back in our sleeping bags and feel asleep. I was awake an hour later as El Hefe and the 3 non-hikers started to get up and moving. Soon, El Hefe decided he wasn't going to hike either. We decided we wanted to get breakfast but wanted the 3 crazies to leave first. While waiting, I went and asked what the policy was for staying a second night. The guy at The Borough told me only those with a medical reason could stay. Therefore, I would have to find somewhere else to go. Neither, Fusion, El Hefe, or I thought that was cool. So we decided we would pack up our stuff, tell the crazies we were hiking, and then just return to The Borough once all the workers left for the evening.

Before leaving for breakfast, Turkey and Thrasher arrived. We gave them a heads up about taking a zero and about the crazies. Fus, EH, and I all left with our packs. T and T joined us outside with the important belongings. All of us, less El Hefe, walked across the street and grabbed breakfast. I had an omelet and chocolate chip pancakes. They were excellent. We all headed to the library after breakfast. I sat there from 10 something to 5. Fusion and I closed the place down. While at the library, DS, Castor, Big Dipper, Scruggs, Scout, and Hopi all showed up. Some of them had stopped short of town the night before. The others hitched in from about 10 miles out. DS got behind when I left Port Clinton. His feet are bothering him again. I think he even went to a doctor. I also learned that Castor's friend Spatula got off the trail. His leg and feet were in too much pain. I think he might meet back up with Castor in Mass.

After 5, Fusion and I went back to The Borough. The place was packed with hikers. I would guess 16 to 18 were there by the end of the night. Dinner was at the Beer Zone. PA has weird alcohol laws. This place looked like a beer store, but they also served pizza. Therefore, one can buy a 6 pack, 12 pack, etc there. They don't have beer in grocery stores or convenience stores, only food places. Dinner was a lot of fun. It was Fusion, EH, T and T, and two second hikers from Florida.

After dinner, we went back to the Hostel. The others were throwing around a frisbee. I joined them and we decided to walk down to the park and play ultimate. It was 7 of us so I decided to sit out and sub for the tired ones. I have a little ultimate background in me. I am decent when it comes to the league I play in, in Atlanta. (Spears and Caroline feel free to give me some credit. Or you can throw me under the bus and tell people how bad I am.) However, I looked like a pro when playing with these guys. It was a quick game, but still fun.

That wrapped up the evening. The hostel was pretty loud until after 10. I somehow feel asleep with the lights on and while others were up talking and laughing. Also, I didn't get caught staying a second night. Watch out.

By the way, it never rained even with the forecast saying so. I think a light post could do a better job then a meterologist, just my two cents.