Day 112- A Birthday Zero

July 22, 2015

Williamstown, MA(1592.6) 0 Miles

Zero days go by way too fast. I still had a few town errands to take care of, so I woke up earlier than I would have liked to so I could get them taken care of. I had a quick breakfast at the motel. The continental breakfast had very few offerings. I had a few pastries and some fresh fruit before heading back to my room. Before I could take care of my town errands I had to open all of my packages that friends and family had sent me. I started with my mom and dad's package. 

3 days worth of food and more vitamin I (Ibupfren 800) 

Thanks Mom and Dad

Next I opened the package from Sodapop and Skittles

2 dinners, ice cream, snacks, hot chocolate, and a "staying over night" kit

Thanks Sodapop and Skittles. It was a perfect care package. 

Pigpen and Cheeto also sent me a package. 

Thanks for the Cheetos and awesome card. I'm totally wearing the musical Yoda bracelet 

My next package blew me away. I've been on the trail for 111 days and haven't shed a single tear, but this had me sobbing like a baby. My best friend, Alie, contacted everyone from back home and asked them to send me something for my birthday. The cards, presents, and personalized notes were absolutely amazing and overwhelming. 

I have the greatest friends ever

The last few weeks on the trail have been pretty difficult for me mentally and this was just the moral boost that I needed. 

Thanks Alie!!!

John, Whitney, Gideon, Lisa, Nate, Jen, Alex K, Lora, Pete, Tiffany, Deb, Alex V, Tommy, Kassie, Cynthia, Michelle, Jay, Maria, Joey, Giada, Adria, Bill, Sarah C, Brandon, Jenny, Chris, Sarah U, Danielle, Brian, Brady, Emerson, Jackie, Kyle, and Alie; thank you so much. Your kind words, personal messages, and quotes were very much appreciated. Each and everyone of you are in my thoughts. Now it's like you're doing this epic journey right along side of me. I love you all and can't wait to see you soon.   

After pulling myself together I decided that I had way too much food for the next leg. I gathered everything together, checked out of the motel, and set off to find the post office to send some food ahead. The post office was two miles away, but it was a beautiful morning so I didn't mind walking on my zero day. Williamstown is a cute small college town and I enjoyed walking down Main Street. Williams college is a small, but prestigious school. 

 College building

I sent my package ahead and wandered around the area for a little bit. I didn't relish the thought of walking back to the motel, but I didn't think I could hitchhike in this area. I didn't have my pack with me so I didn't think anyone would stop and pick me up. I was talking with one of the college kids and they told me about the bus. I've never ridden on a city bus. Now that's one more thing I can cross off of my list. 

Thrilled to not walk 2 miles

The bus driver stopped early to let me off at the Dollar General, I still needed to buy lunches for the trail. After I was done shopping, I went to Subway for lunch. 

Thanks Jay for the subway gift card 

I only needed two more resupply items, but the regular grocery store was a little too far away for me. I ended up at a coop market. Replace the word coop, with expensive. It was a really nice store, but I paid $8 for pepperoni. I'm really hoping it's the best pepperoni I've ever tasted. I also bought a few bottles of beer to enjoy by the pool. 

Room with a view

I stopped by the Howard Johnson to see about an early check in, I was in luck and my room was ready. I spent the next few hours looking over my trail guide and sipping beer by the pool. I talked with my mom and dad for awhile. They bought me an underquilt for my hammock for my birthday and it had just arrived at their house. I can't wait to have it for the Whites. Thanks, Mom, Dad, Aunt Liz, Uncle Tom, Anthony, Lauren, and Parker. Every time I'm not freezing at night I'll have you to thank. 

The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing in my room and catching up on Game of Thrones. I can't believe who they killed off this season, crazy!!! 

I went back to, Desperadoes, for dinner. The bartender last night told me I'd get a free birthday dinner, how could I resist. The food was just as good today as last night. 

I went back to the room and watched tv for a few hours before bed. All in all, it was a great zero day/birthday. Thanks to everyone who sent me birthday greetings via text, email, Facebook, and on my blog. 

"I intend to live forever. So far, so good."   -Steven Wright