What a place! Republic, population 1,000 and everything a hiker could dream of…. Potentially more.

Imagine this… you're hiking into a small mountain town for a quick resupply of food. You stop in the bar for a Bloody Mary and some free wifi. Cross the street for a meal that would make Food Network's traveling chef hosts jealous that they didn't discover it first. I need to take a moment to remember the 'oink and moo' burger at Freckles' Gourmet BBQ… a full patty with bacon, pulled pork, cheddar and swiss. I thought I was going to be a vegetarian again. Ha Ha Ha! Oh, and the tater tots stuffed with more bacon, cheese and jalapeños. YES! So, your sitting alone with a beer from the neighboring brewery when you notice the fliers in the window. Hmmmm, you think to yourself, this is a hip town. Looks like they even have live music. You check out the posters, and BAHM!!! Knocked off your feet… Speechless. Your two great friends from your home town are playing a show smack in the middle of Republic in a few days. Not only are they great friends, but also the best local musicians you've ever heard. It was just a month ago when you caught their last performance at Cafe Stritch, Downtown San Jose… days before you took the train out to the trail! How could anyone pass this opportunity up…

I have somewhat of a deadline, but I'm hitting huge mile days and will push harder if it means staying in town for a Brother Grand performance. It gets better, Monkey Leg from Montana made the midnight drive for a quick visit. This life is perfect! The house was packed, the band killed it, we danced and drank, people wearing the biggest smiles I've ever seen.