7/1/18 – Zero at Bucks Lake

Day 11

Miles: 0

Plus 1.4 miles walk to resort and back

Plus 0.8 miles walk to trail angels

Plus 1.4 to Haskins Campground and back

It’s 6:30 a.m. when we wake up in the morning. We turn and sleep for another two hours. Dave and Swayed persuaded me to take a zero day here. There’s no need to rush. The checkout is at 11:30 a.m. but we are told we can stay till 2:00 p.m. After that we would move with trail angels that live in the area.

Morning is spend at Buck Lake Resort, the only other establishment on the lake. Swayed is stopped by Lou just before we are to make the walk to the resort and from their conversation we learn that Lou is trying to sell the Lodge. He and his wife are burned out after their 12 year’s of ownership during which the main building burned down once.

Buck Lake Resort is busy. People having lunch, the smell coming from the kitchen is Devine. The bar is full as well. Soccer match between Croatia and Denmark is on. We watch part of it.

At 2:00 p.m. we check out from the lodge and walk to the trail angels that graciously agreed to host us today. Between us and them there is a store with ice cream and a lovely garden where we can eat it.

We arrive and we are welcomed by Terry who gives us a tour of the property and hiker facilities which include showers, laundry, and a large patio where in the evening they will put matts on for hikers to cowboy camp.

Some other hikers are already there. We spend some time with them and then head to Haskins Campground for a walk. Dave hopes for a swim but does not find a good beach.

The rest of the day is spent back at The Williams’ who make a wonderful dinner for us, lasagna and salad, and a chicken pasta dish. Oh and a garlic bread also. Between the hikers and the family we share stories from the trail and from lives. It’s another pretty awesome evening that would not have happened if it wasn’t for generosity of one absolutely amazing family.