Tuesday, April 16th

Steps: 13,544 (Off-trail)

Sleeping in a real bed felt so amazing after having hiked over 100 miles in six days. For breakfast, we ate at Houlihan’s (in the hotel). I had a bacon, mushroom, cheese, and spinach omelette with wheat toast and grits, and coffee too – A LOT!! Stevie had eggs over easy with wheat toast and grits.

It was during a conversation earlier this morning that we decided to take our first “zero day” so we booked an extra night in Room 402. That gave us the time to do laundry, rest our bodies, walk a 4.5 mile round trip to Target to purchase a new Fitbit, knee brace, a resupply of food, and plan our upcoming week. While we were out on our “flat” walk, we stopped at Chipotle for lunch.

I tried on my new Fit Bit and knee brace.

Later in the day, we reorganized our backpacks and called ahead for an early Easter morning cab. Many places were closed and not shuttling during Easter. However we were able to reach Nina’s Shuttle Service and Janine (Nina) Murray agreed to pick us up at 5:00 am. In fact, she stated she would arrive closer to 4:30 am because she was “professional” and “prompt.” An early start meant we had a solid chance of reaching the Whiskey Hollow Shelter (only 15 miles away), with time enough to chill, or to possibly hike more miles to the next shelter before nightfall if we felt strong enough.

Before watching a little TV and calling it a night, I showered, then went on FaceTime with Teresa at 8 pm. Tuffy was sitting with Teresa and I was likewise fortunate to see and have a talk with him.