Day 57 – A Ballsy Zero

I woke up to a triangle ringing and Sip shaking me saying breakfast was ready. Half asleep, I dragged my feet getting out of bed and finding footwear. It was 8AM at Woods Hole Hostel and breakfast was served. I made it late downstairs and the group had just finished introducing themselves and saying what they were grateful for.

Breakfast was a lovely spread of eggs, fresh fruit, and a blueberry muffin cake. Sip mentioned off hand at breakfast that he was thinking of taking a zero and to also ponder his future on the trail. While it didn’t come as a surprise as he’s talked about stopping early before, at this particular time it was odd. We had just lost Hatcher for at least a week due to personal matters at home. Our days have been good so far and we were really enjoying the current hostel.

I heard a perspective from him that I hadn’t heard before but I fully understood . He has the money and time off to do whatever he wants this summer and to spend it with anyone he wants to. Would it be a wasted opportunity to only do the trail with that time? It’s a compelling question because there’s certainly a lot of variety of trips/plans/people you could fit into that time.

Rabbit and I came up with similar counterpoints in that you’re meeting new people and developing new relationships that could also be worthwhile now and in the future. We were really enjoying the Hostel up to this point that we decided to stay another day. It was our first zero in over 20 days and we all probably could use the additional rest.

We lounged around the grounds and engaged in various events of leisure. Hot feet played acoustic guitar while I made friends with one of the many residents canines. We had a mini chess tournament (I lost in the first round). We also watched the pigs get fed and even had a yoga session on the grass.

After yoga I napped before dinner. Dinner was red rice and beans, salad, bread and fresh baked cookies. We ate until discomfort set in.

That evening a documentary called “5 million steps” was played on a projector screen. It was a documentary from 1986 following a different thru-hiker in each state. It was interesting to watch and gave a renewed a sense of purpose and drive (in me anyways) for finishing.

Rabbit and I had late night root beers (probably my 5th soda of the day) on the porch swing before getting ready for bed. I’m off to sleep early for once before 10:30. Reflecting on the beauty and history of this place. A name is written in the clay next to my bunk, Benny 1986 (when the bunkhouse was built). The main cabin has a similar name written but the dates go back to the 1800s. Neville is the current purveyor of her family’s dream and is doing an amazing job of being it’s torch bearer.

Looking forward to making up some miles tomorrow. Our zero today put us behind the pace, I’m supposed to be in PA by June 30th (I’ll tell you why when you’re older 😉

Stay tuned for day 58 on the Appalachian Trail.