Day 88 – Sunday, June 5: Duncannon, PA (the Doyle Hotel), Zero Day, 1,146.6 total AT miles.

I woke up late – it was 9:00 by the time I opened my eyes. I slept really well and was very hungry, but I continued dozing. I finally got my self together and made my way across the street to eat breakfast.

I joined Get Weird and a few other hikers in a booth. As I was ordering, Black Santa walked in. The booth was full so I stood and grabbed a small table with him. We ate quickly and made our way back to the hotel.

I went upstairs to update my website as I waited for the office to open so I could book a second night. At 12:30, I walked downstairs and entered the restaurant (that also doubles as the office apparently). I shot a game of pool with two hikers I’d been seeing infrequently before returning to my room to write.

I instantly felt exhausted – I’m very glad I decided to take a zero. I’d been walking around town in my camp shoes – I took them off and checked my feet. The only thing wrong is a tiny blister under my middle toe. My feet aren’t bruised and I noticed that I’m getting some pretty tough calluses on my heel and under the front of my foot.

I fell asleep for about an hour. When I woke I instantly went downstairs to the restaurant and ordered lunch – it was genuinely good. While sleeping at the Doyle might not be for everybody, the kitchen puts out some very good food.

I shot another game of pool with Black Santa and Get Weird in attendance – I made the best two consecutive shots of my life and walked out. I took most of my lunch to go and headed back upstairs. I fell instantly fell asleep.

I awoke from my second nap at around 6:00 – I had probably just slept for about three hours. I walked back downstairs and found the restaurant to be closed. I hadn’t planned on eating anywhere else.

Black Santa, Get Weird and I ended up eating at an Italian restaurant a few blocks away – I snacked on some wings having already decided to just cook when I got back to my room.

We left at 8:00 and I immediately went back upstairs for the last time. I organized my food bag while I cooked a Pasta Side – I’m looking forward to getting my mail drops from the post office tomorrow morning. If I’m missing anything, I can buy it on my way out of town tomorrow.

I chatted on the phone before finally deciding to pull out my keyboard and write.

* * *

I’m looking forward to getting back on the trail. Despite the supposed rough terrain ahead, I’m actually excited to start hiking again.

I’m really glad I took a zero – I don’t think I’ve ever been this tired after accomplishing a whole day of nothing in my life.

I’ll be in Port Clinton, PA in about four days – that’s where I’m planning on sending my bounce box.

I recommend staying at the Doyle.

Breakfast: Goodies – across the street. Chipped beef (never had it before – it tasted like pastrami that was cooked in a cream suace) served over toast, home fries. I ate half – it was a heavy dish

Lunch: The Doyle – Fried buffalo chicken sandwich with bacon and lettuce, home fries, lots of ketchup, two Pepsis

Snack: a handful of garlic parm wings

Dinner: Sorrentos – Shells and cheese pasta side with a can of chicken.

I really liked all three restaurants I ate at today.

Author: Chris Kummer

Hey y'all - Cool Dad here. Ever since I was a little kid, I wanted to thru-hike the AT. It remained a nagging thought for nearly a decade - then it got loud enough to warrant my attention. So I quit my unfulfilling job(s) in Seattle and commenced hiking north from Springer in the spring of 2016. And I'm exceedingly thankful I did. The people I met, the things I saw, the gross foods I ate - not a day goes by without fondly remembering life on the trail. If you've already thru-hiked a long trail, you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you're thinking about tackling a long-distance hike, do it. Do it now. I'm probably gonna do it again... View all posts by Chris Kummer