7/3/99 DB Hiker Hostel   Miles Today : 0 Miles to Katahdin : 1171.4

Well, today is the big cookout, and what a fun time it was. Ma and Pa DB were gracious as always offering coffee and cereal first thing in the morning. We killed most of the afternoon watching sports and hanging out at various outfitter stores.

The cookout started around 5:00 and friends and family of DB began to file in. Mrs. Smith made two incredible looking deserts that would prove to taste even better. I spent most of the early part of the evening talking to all of the guests, answering questions and telling stories from the trail. I was surprised to find out that 1 out of 3 people I met had been reading by journal and more than once I was greeted with "how is your ankle?" it was great to find out that so many people were enjoying my adventures, and the support for what I am doing was even better!

The cookout concluded with what else but a whiffleball game. The players were different but the results were the same: thru-hikers win! (That's a 2-0 record)

We finished off the evening with a trip to the Papermoon café a local Baltimore all night joint. The food was good and the place definitely had character. The outside of the restaurant was decorated in many different colors and adorned with naked mannequins. The inside of the place featured various antiques, one such being an old training high-chair. Thanks to Galen for treating us poor, hungry hikers!

Hiker Profile: Colorado Kid Colorado is going to be a Sophomore at the University of Colorado. A Hartford native, he is now an official resident of Colorado. Jake is studying to be a journalist and is writing stories about his hike. You can read his entries at the Boulder Planet at www.boulderplanet.com. Jake is an ultra-lite hiker. Carrying only 25 lbs. Fully-loaded. He is also a devout Boston sports fan, so I have had an allay in making fun of Baltimore sports.

Just a side note: I realized the other day that while I was home I didn't stop and say hi to many people. I didn't make my return home that public since I felt that I had failed in some aspect.

Anyway, that's all for now. Tomorrow holds in store genuine Baltimore Crabs, South Park the Movie, and Fireworks. Happy 4th.

-Chomp

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