Day 4 - 5: Like a Phoenix from the Ashes

The town looks like something out of a movie and there are a lot of 'hiker trash' hanging around. Originally, this was a derogatory term used by the local population in trail towns for hikers who were essentially homeless in their eyes. But now, the hikers themselves have adopted the term and use it with pride. I see almost all the hikers I have met so far and meet some more. First, we go to Mom's Pie for free coffee and pie. The three of us sit at a table and decide to share a room since it's supposed to storm tonight and no one wants to sleep outside if they don't have to.

After booking the room, we head into the 'town', which is basically a street that makes up the whole town. Julian is very hiker-friendly and each hiker gets a small cup of cider and gummy bears at a candy store. Since we can't check in until 3 pm, the next stop is the local brewery. There, I get my trail name: 'Phoenix'. It's because I'm asked about my experiences on the first day by hikers I haven't met yet. So I tell the story again and the others are particularly impressed that I returned to the trail just hours later. Like a phoenix from the ashes.

Afterwards, we go to the hostel, shower, do laundry, and hang out with other hikers. And then back to the brewery for dinner and more beer. Now it's time to go to bed and get back on the trail at 7 am tomorrow. Until then.