July 15, 2012 - How to Spoil a Hiker

Day 31
Sierra City, CA
Miles: 1
Trip: 527

A short walk into town, and I got to experience a true hiker outpost. The Red Moose gives thru-hikers everything they need and most things they want: showers, laundry, internet (all free), tips on finding the best burger in town (and, I believe, the world) and meals that never end. And we can camp on the lawn, swim in the creek and lounge on the deck chatting all day. Hiker trash heaven.

My favorite part (besides the burger) is meeting more hikers. - and actually having time to talk with them! We saw Smiles and Maddog Murphy, two hikers we'd met before, and met Carpenter and Creeper, another hiking couple. We also talked with two guys named Scout and Strider, and Andrew even saw a friend from his Appalachian Trail hiking days. It was a giddy feeling to have other people in a conversation - not just the two of us. I feel a little out of practice, since Andrew and I know each other's tone and implied meanings so well - all our inside jokes and recycled stories. It's like we have our own language. Of course we'll leave this place behind soon, but hopefully see some of these people again. 

Shaggy says:

    We were camped just a mile or so before Sierra City. It felt great to be so close, we started a little later and got into town quickly. Lauren is always ready before me on a day she knows she's getting a shower.
    We were greeted at the Red Moose Cafe in Sierra City by many wonderful hikers and the owners Bill and Margaret. They were so hospitable. The breakfast seemed to be never ending, pancakes kept coming.
    Margaret then showed us the showers, laundry, and yard to camp in. They offer this all free to hikers, amazingly nice.
   We camped in the yard, about 200 vertical feet up from a beautiful stream. We enjoyed a shower, but also spent quality time in the swimming hole today. I may be the cleanest I have been on this hike yet.
    Lunch consisted of The Gut Buster, 1 pound of burger from the general store and a large ice cream. We received 4 packages today, one from the family, one from the Balckens, and our 2 resupply boxes. Thanks family for the goodies.
  Dinner was endless ribs. The Red Moose rocks. Best meal on the trail yet. I am excited for breakfast, and also excited to return to the trail tomorrow!

The creek behind the Red Moose. There was a big swimming hole just beyond this where we went to jump off big rocks - summer fun.

I guess you never know.

Bill and Mary Margaret, able proprietors of the Red Moose. Kind, but no-nonsense, they are true trail angels.