Start: 0800 - Etna (Alderbrook Manor)
End: 2100 - Etna (Alderbrook Manor)
Miles (today): 0
Miles (cumulative): 1642 (1480 PCT, 94 alternate, 68 off)

Etna is such a fun little town!  I'm sure it has more to do with the people I'm with than the town, but whatever - it was a great day. I slept in until 0800, sent in some blog posts, ate some breakfast, and then, once our room was ready, TOOK A NAP.  I love naps, I should try to figure out how to fit one in every day while on trail (if only I hiked faster, it would be easy to squeeze one in then!).  

Nick got up early and rode a bike to the local cafe, where he had coffee and chatted with the locals.  He learned that there was going to be a farmers market later in the day, so we made loose plans to check it out.  I would have loved to have coffee with the locals, too, but I'm so very glad I had the chance to sleep in.  Sleep is really important to me these days.

In the afternoon (after I awoke from my fabulous nap - sleeping rocks!), Nick, Bushwhack, DW, and I rode bikes downtown and had quite the day.  Our first stop was the local pool, which offered a free swim in the afternoon.  Being in a pool felt great, although my wonky ankle prevented me from doing even one lap.  It's ok, socializing was a lot more fun, anyway.   Right before we left, Nick bought an ice cream from the concession stand.  He gave them $10 and told them to use the change to pay for those who come after.  I love it!!  :)

Our second stop was the local brewery, where the four of us sat around a table enjoying some decent beer and having some great conversations.  It was interesting how we each ordered something different. I had an imperial stout and was definitely feeling it when we left for our third stop, the farmers market.

The farmer's market was outside Dottie's, a hamburger joint.  It was small, quaint market and we bought a very tasty loaf of sourdough bread.  While there, Nick ordered a double burger, onion rings, and a chocolate malt from Dottie's, so we all sat at a picnic table and enjoyed more conversation while Nick enjoyed his burger.  We ran into Moses on the way out - Moses thinks he has to get off the trail because he's running out of money. :( I really hope he finds himself able to stay!!

DW and Bushwhack went back to the house while Nick and I made a fourth stop at Dollar General for supplemental trail food.  I somehow managed to ride back to the house with the bags of food hanging from my bike handlebars while Nick made the fifth and final stop at the grocery store, Ray's, for bananas and a steak.

How Nick thought he was going to eat an 18 ounce steak after eating a double hamburger (and onion rings and a shake) is beyond me, but he sure tried.  He grilled himself a great looking steak, mushrooms, and an orange pepper... And only managed to eat about half before giving up.  Bushwhack, Prancer, Ripper, and Cliffhanger were happy to finish it off for him.  :)

Finally, let me tell you how amazing Alderbrook Manor is.  Alderbrook Manor a quaint little Bed and Breakfast that also caters to hikers.  The owners are somehow able to manage both a fabulous bed and breakfast in the main house and the Hiker Hut just outside.  There is a calm, relaxed vibe to the whole place - it was great.