We woke up to it still raining. We knew we’d have to break down camp in it, which is our least favorite rain/camp scenario. It means everything is wet and going in your bag before you get a chance to dry it out. I would much rather set up camp in the rain with the dry tent than pull it down while it’s soaked. We packed up quick. There was no need to bother with breakfast since we were headed into town.
Just after 9a Kirby’s father arrived. We went back to their hotel room and took turns showering. I went last out of a desire to avoid combing through the rat nest that I call hair. It’s a weekly chore that I abhor. Warthog, Kirby, his father and stepmom headed to REI. Kirby needed a new pack and hoped to get his trekking poles warrantied. We needed to also get my trekking poles taken care of since one snapped on a rock. They would not warranty mine. They called it normal wear and tear. To REI’s credit, they would have helped more if there was an end piece turned in on other poles that could fit mine. That’s what they did for Kirby. I wasn’t so lucky. I’ll try another REI.
Wonder Woman, Snow Monkey, and I did laundry while they were gone. It was at least a two hour trip. When they all got back, Kirby’s dad took us to check into our own hotel. He had bought us a room for the night as a gift – an incredibly kind gift that we were over the moon about. We basically dropped our stuff and ran back down. He also offered to take us to resupply. After the grocery store we cleaned and organized gear. Again, our tents (and basically everything) needed drying. Not too long after we finished that, it was time to be picked up again.
Kirby and his family were staying at a hotel just a mile or so down the road. We went to their room and ordered pizza – our treat as a thank you for his treat. We ate dinner downstairs in a common dining room area. Then played pool and watched a movie in the rec room. I took the time during games to call family. This was too quick of a trip, which meant I couldn’t hit all of the rounds. Next time we zero we will have two day and I will be able to have good, long conversations with everyone. I hope.
-ansel