Of course, with the Trailfest going on, today was a 'zero' day....and a welcome one after two days of grueling hiking.
Here is a sample of today's activities:
Jill and Zack took off early in the morning around 7:45 (early for Jill) and got to Hot Springs in an hour! That is fast hiking for 3 miles!! With as many hikers and people in town for Trailfest, they were amazed that as soon as they hit town, fellow hikers told them that Ken was there and told them where to find them. Ken must have made an impression on those young hikers!
They spent the day talking with other hikers, getting free stuff (merchandise AND food), and enjoying the live music that played all day and into the evening. They participated in the "Hiker Feed" and ate themselves silly.
Jill had a great time and ran into many hikers she remembered from years past. Some of whom came through her place in Virginia. She even met up with 'Waffles's' parents. Waffle was an ice-cream loving hiker that missed out on the treat in 2007. He never let her forget it and made sure to get some when he went through in 2008, 2010 and 2012. He sure was an unforgettable hiker-friend!
This is a family-friendly event and the kids got into the spirit and joined the parade. We have a similar event at home with our Labor Day Ox Roast Weekend. If you have four legs, two legs, bike, car, truck, tractor or semi tires, you, too, can be in the parade. We love it and I'm sure Ken enjoyed the Hot Springs version.
They had to wait until after 3:00 to see if the Alpine Hotel would have a room for them. Luckily, when they checked back in later, they did. Ken said it was a 'room' but not a hotel room. To him, any hotel room without a TV doesn't count. But it did have a bathroom and mattress, so it beat the trail bed he usually sleeps on. He was able to call me from Jill's phone and bring me up to date.
No word from Dennis :(
Mile 273.7
Elevation still 1,326
Miles hiked today 0
Sure hope Dennis can come back!!!
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