August 3

My first true "zero" today. I've taken a couple trail zeros in Washington, but they were for gear issues and I had things on my mind the whole time. Today was just a day of not thinking about hiking and relaxing, eating etc. I did make it to the Boring, OR convention grounds for a work day and got in on my favorite job, a little demolition of a small building. I'm staying again at the Nichols' place tonight. We had a delicious barbecue, I soaked in Epsom salts, and once again have a bed to sleep in. I'm so grateful for hospitality, friends, and fellowship. 

I meet with my good friend Dan Anderson tomorrow who will be taking me around the Portland area for a last hang out session before he takes off for Latvia. One thing we will be doing is going to get me a new pair of shoes. I'm so excited at the possibility of walking without foot pain. The store I stopped on today seems to have competent employees that want to help in every way possible. They want to see my old shoes and see what is going on with the wear pattern before I buy new ones. It is good to finally find a place more interested in the satisfaction of their customer than the fatness of their own wallet.