Day 90 - Zeroing in Kent (July 7)

I went back into Kent to do laundry and go to the local outfitter. I did my laundry with RJ who was at the shelter last night. RJ and I then did lunch. I then stopped for 2 pints of Ben and Jerry's ice cream on the way to the outfitter, and met Getty-Up there.

The rain fly of my tent is leaking. The outfitter had a water proofing spray that needs to air dry for 72 hours before folding and one that needs an hour in the dryer. I chose the one that needs an hour in the dryer.

I met Dan aka Day Hiker at the laundry mat. Dan is in his 60s I would guess. He was on the shuttle to Springer with Sonic and I. He said he skipped about a 500 mile section of the trail. He is hiking with Alf from Australia. The three of us decided to get a 136 dollar motel room, drink beers, and zero.

It feels good to zero. I have not had time to just sit out and enjoy a few good beers. I bought a six pack of Guiness that I'm sipping as I write. Alf is drinking Budweiser, which he thinks is a good beer. I want calories tonight, and can think of nothing better than Guiness. I will go back to the bar for 30 cent chicken wings tonight.

I'm not sure how much weight I can lose before I lose my strength. Even other hikers say I'm looking like a heroin addict. There are few of us averaging over 20 miles per day. I think that with the mileage I'm doing, there is no way not to look like a heroin addict. I can look at someone and tell if they are doing lots of miles per day.

My feet really hurt. I have new shoes, which should help. They really cushion the ground. I normally take a size 12. I started the trail with size 13 so that I could wear thick socks. It only took until the Snokies before those shoes were too small and I needed thinner socks. I'm now between a 13 and a 14. My new shoes are a 13, but they feel a little tight. I'm hoping they break in. Otherwise, I will need to buy another pair soon. I read about people's feet getting larger on the trail. It will take a few months after the trail for feet to return to their normal size.

I also lost a lot of feeling in my toes and feet. I read that this too is common. Many other people on the trail say they have the same problem. The feeling is supposed to return to normal after a few months off the trail.

Kent is a nice town to zero. We are sitting on the porch drinking beers and watching the town while discussing shoes and foot problems. This is a common topic of discussion on the trail. I can't believe there have been people who have done the trail barefoot.

The following pictures have been added by Heather and may or may not be places that Joe has seen.