September 22, 2013

September 22, 2013
Zero day at Ghost Ranch

After a sprinkling of rain last night, things were dry in the morning as I got up to go to breakfast. It was a continental breakfast, nothing too fancy, but still hit the spot. Again I sat with the Hoppers and enjoyed their company.

After breakfast I sorted through my food and checked the forecast for the day. With thunderstorms in the forecast for the afternoon and evening, it was an easy decision to stay another night.

I had a nice chat with a volunteer in the trading post (store), another retired minister named John. And also a good conversation with one of the volunteers at the front desk, Mary. Everyone here at the ranch has been so kind and welcoming it is going to be a little sad to leave this wonderful place tomorrow morning.

While at dinner I reunited with the Hoppers and enjoyed another nice conversation over pizza and wings. Since they are taking off tomorrow to head back toward Pennsylvania, I asked if they would mind giving me a ride back to the trail and they agreed! Such nice people. One more meal with them tomorrow in the morning and then it is time to head back out and do what I'm out here to do: hike!

Also while at dinner a dirty, grungy looking guy walked into the dining hall and lo and behold it was Huck! Haven't seen that guy since northern Montana and it sure was good to see a familiar face. We caught up a bit in the evening and compared horror stories from the Weminuche. Since Huck is following the Ley maps for the most part, and I am following Bear Creek for the most part, I may or may not see much of him for the remainder of the trail, but hopefully we'll end up crossing paths again before the end.


Alex