Our first planned zero day began with a trip to the Evergreen Cafe and quite a spread of food. Then off to the post office to grab packages. Finally back to the hotel to have laundry done.

The next four hours were spent waiting around in rain gear and towels for the laundry to be done. Jackie, a good friend from school, arrived during this hiker-trash state. After commenting briefly on the smell of the room, she settled in and we began the long process of catching up on everything over the last two years.

After the laundry finished we went to lunch at a Mexican place right down the street. Near the end of the meal Kate, another friend from school in the area, arrived and the reunion began all over again.

They joined us on the resupply trip to the post office, outfitters, and grocery store. Before settling down at the motel picnic table with nice beer and good conversation.

As afternoon began to turn to evening they headed home after plenty of good bye hugs. Over the course of the reunion, a few other hikers had gathered in the room and dinner preparations were in order. Captain Philip and Kat continued their tradition of having seemingly all the luck in the world and got an extra free pizza which didn't last long. As it got "late" they drifted back to their rooms and we turned in, unsure of whether we would take a second zero day or not.