July 22
It's Sunday night and I'm in the Jailhouse Hostel in Palmerton, PA about 36 miles from New Jersey. It's not really a jail, just the basement of the borough building. My last 5 days have been rough. I guess in Duncannon I got it in my head to do 110 miles in less than 5 days. It looked good on paper and I was feeling confident I was getting my trail legs. Plus Stanimal and Lola hitchhiked to Virginia on Sunday for a week off with his girlfriend, I know, weak, haha. So while it was great to start with them because they usually do 13 to 15 miles per day, I was ready to start busting out some big mileage days and get the heck out of Pennsylvania, or Rocksylvania as it's not so affectionately referred to by thru hikers. This goal of mine I'd soon find out would prove to be very tough and painful to meet.
The rocks on the trail are as numerous as the grains of sand on the beach. One time a hiker name Fictional Joe tried to clear the rocks from the PA trail. After 2 weeks of labor with a pry bar he gave up. He made it a distance of 5 feet. Apart form 20 miles north of boiling springs where you're hiking through farms, you're on rocks. They're constantly trying to make you slip off of them, sprain your ankles, get your poles caught in them, lure you into a compound fracture. Some of them pop up from the ground right as you pass over and trip you.
I don't mind the big boulders, you can get some momentum skipping across them and it's fun because your mind and body are so in synch at such a fast pace the time and miles go quickly. Plus if your feet are hurting it's not so bad because you've got a little adrenaline rush going.
My first night into this little trip was with that Puma Ghost Walker. I was glad he was there because it was in the middle of nowhere and these deer were hanging around the site all night because of some good grass in the site. I'd be sound asleep and then a stick would snap like 10 feet away from me. I'd check it out with my headlamp, expecting to see a 400 lb. bear munching on Puma but it would just be a dumb deer staring at me. After this happened a few times i didn't worry anymore. I'm not really worried about bears but where you're in the woods at night and a stick snaps close by, they're not far from your thoughts.
So that was a good day, next day I did about 22 miles and ended up at 501 Shelter, 3 miles short of my goal but I was beat. Plus it was close to a road so you could order pizza which I didn't hesitate to do. Pizza is one of those life sustaining substances, like water, that are very important on the trail.
Also, a cold outdoor shower the next morning was very nice. Little things like that help alot. 3rd day I did 24 miles to Port Clinton. Slept in a pavillion where hikers are allowed to sleep. The next morning as it poured rain I was very slow to rise but noticed many new hikers, to me at least. I was catching up to new people. I spent some time mending my feet til 10:30 rolled around and I knew I had to go, although I was tempted to go to a nearby restaurant to get a good breakfast, I knew a morale lift wouldn't make my feet feel better, so I trudged off into the rain knowing I had to get it over with. One other hiker stayed behind in his sleeping bag, he said he wasn't hiking in the rain. I felt tougher than him as I left. It was the hardest day yet. That was 17 miles I think. One part was very nice though towards the end. the leaves on the trees were like an electric green color, and the tree trunks and branches appeared jet black because of being wet and an eerie fog was amongst it all. I did like that part, it was beautiful in an unsettling way I guess if that makes any sense.
Day 5 of this whole thing was my best day on the trail yet. I left Eckville Shelter around 8:30 planning to do about 17 miles, with just slight thought that if I felt good I could push on to Palmerton but I doubted it with how I was feeling. Around noon I guess I started to get a craving for some pie and coffee and I couldn't stop thinking about it. A coconut cream or peanut butter pie and coffe would just hit the nail right on the head I kept thinking. So I had no expectations for this until I passed a lady heading south and she said in passing I should get water at the restaurant because there isn't sany for another 10 miles or something. In my mind I was like, "Restaurant?" Restaurants have pie. So I didn't put care about the whole no water for 10 miles thing. I had a new mission. In a few miles where the trail crosses PA route 309 was Blue Mtn Summit Bed and Breakfast. I stopped in of course and a guy Piedmont I'd been walking with was already there and said he'd ordered an apple dumpling. Well that was even better than pie. "Do you want ice cream too? 50 cents a scoop." 'Do I want ice cream?' Dumb question. "2 scoops I said."
Have you ever heard about how the human body knows what it needs and can subconciously express those needs. For example, I heard about a guy stranded on a raft at sea for days. He was getting by with rain water and raw fish but eventually just had this desire to eat fish eyeballs. And he did. I guess there were some vitamins or minerals avialable only in the eyeballs that his body knew he needed. So I wasn't taking it lightly that my body said it needed pie.
I got some coffee too and some ice water and it was all very amazing. That's the one thing I'm loving about this trail. Every morning I wake up and have no idea what's going to happen that day. You might be blessed with an apple dumpling, or help a little kid put back on his training wheel after he took a turn too fast, or have some meddling teenagers who are up to no good throw small sticks at you and then run away as you nap under a pavillion in a park. You just never know, it's pretty fun.. Well it's 12:36 a.m. right now and I havn't gotten to the best part yet about this 110 mile mine trip.
Monday, July 30, 2012
July 20th. Yeah, that 27 miles never happened. I limped into Port Clinton last night as darkness fell. It was a rough da, only superceded in foot pain by today. They're a blistered mess. My blisters have blisters. I don't know how many miles I did today but it wasn't the 25 I had in mind. 100 miles in 4 days was too lofty a goal for my feet. Ordered pizza again from this Eckville shelter. I need it because I don't have enough food to get to the next town 25 miles away. I need to break that into 2 days I think. I just looked at the guide, 17 miles tom. and 8 or 9 the next day then a day off. I can't wait. This shelter is nice but small, I'm sleeping on a chaise lounge and it'll be cold because we have to keep the doors open because some bird has a nest in here.
July 18th
Today I did 22 miles. It was the hardest day for my feet. They're hurting. A few blisters. Got soaked for 20 mins today but it felt great and cooled me off. One spot was hard to make good time because I kept picking black raspberries. A huge day tomorrow to get back on track. 27 miles? I'm trying to do 110 miles in 4.5 days.. Hopefully. I'm ready to be done with PA and these rocks. Big calories tonight with some pizza I ordered. (this shelter is close to a road) So hopefully some good energy for tomorrow.
Today I did 22 miles. It was the hardest day for my feet. They're hurting. A few blisters. Got soaked for 20 mins today but it felt great and cooled me off. One spot was hard to make good time because I kept picking black raspberries. A huge day tomorrow to get back on track. 27 miles? I'm trying to do 110 miles in 4.5 days.. Hopefully. I'm ready to be done with PA and these rocks. Big calories tonight with some pizza I ordered. (this shelter is close to a road) So hopefully some good energy for tomorrow.
July 17th
I'm pretty beat right now and I don't have much to say. I busted out 25 miles today. I felt light on my feet this morning and well rested from my nero in Duncannon. My dad's buddy Jude's advise came in handy today, he's been section hiking for years and reccomended I take an extra water bottle north out of Duncannon. I needed it. Still had to go 4 miles on about 3 gulps. Reaching the next spring was incredible.He also said I should get a bug net which came in very handy. I'm sharing a tent site now on a mtn with Puma Ghost Walker. Interesting guy. Last night was nice catching up at the Doyle with my friend Ted. He thru hiked in 08' and is a great resource as I hop these mtns. It was good to see him again. Well I'm tired. Goodnight.
I'm pretty beat right now and I don't have much to say. I busted out 25 miles today. I felt light on my feet this morning and well rested from my nero in Duncannon. My dad's buddy Jude's advise came in handy today, he's been section hiking for years and reccomended I take an extra water bottle north out of Duncannon. I needed it. Still had to go 4 miles on about 3 gulps. Reaching the next spring was incredible.He also said I should get a bug net which came in very handy. I'm sharing a tent site now on a mtn with Puma Ghost Walker. Interesting guy. Last night was nice catching up at the Doyle with my friend Ted. He thru hiked in 08' and is a great resource as I hop these mtns. It was good to see him again. Well I'm tired. Goodnight.
Monday, July 23, 2012
7-14-12
What a day this has been with its ups and downs. Literal and figurative. It seems like forever ago, around 11 a.m. this morning I laboriously filled my water bottle up with my Katadin Hiker Pro filter at a creek by Whiskey Spring Rd, only to drop the open water bottle immediately into the stream I just filtered into it. Then immense frustration consumed me when I couldn't get the stupid thing to prime for 20 mins. That was a low. Highs though, kinda random. Some guy working on a laptop at an outdoor cafe in Boiling Springs PA offers us the opportunity to shower at his house. He drove us there, Stanimal, Lola and I, and then left for about an hour, basically saying 'make yourselves at home.' All the while I'm wondering, "Who does this?" Stanimal, who has already thru hiked once assurred me it's normal. Maybe in trail towns but anywhere else you don't casually mention in conversation with strangers "Hey, so do you need to take a shower at my house?" What is this trail culture? It's so fascinating.
Then I guess the other high point of the day was when we met this girl named Michelle, a very nice insurance saleswoman in her early 30's, a few miles north of Boiling Springs, and she offers her porch for us to sleep on in Mechanicsburg. It looked like rain so of course I'd rather be on a porch than in the woods during a rainstorm or T-storm, but she had to clear it with her roomate. At first it seemed hopeful as she communicated with her roomate via txt, like we almost had the go ahead, the one catch was though that we weren't allowed in the house, which we were fine with, but soon it seemed it wouldn't work out. Her roomates parents were over and it would just be awkward bringing two sweaty hiker strangers over so they could sleep on the porch. So we went our separate ways at the Trimble Rd parking lot expecting to never see her again. As we proceded north with the fading evening through the pastoral corn and soybean fields I was a little sad it didn't work out. I'm always wondering if the next person I meet on the trail will be someone I'll randomly become good friends with. So we pressed on and now had to focus on finding a good stealth site now that the porch deal fell through. Well long story short, Michelle emails Stanimal, he gave her his info about his trail journals account or something and all of a sudden we're back on for the porch, still can't go in the house though. So she pick us up on Old Stone House Rd and what a thrill it is to ride in a car again, with the windows down and the wind in your face. I wanted to stick my head out the window like a dog. When walking at 2.5 mph the wind doesn't exactly whistle by. So we came to her house and just relaxed our Saturday night away in her back yard around a fire til 1:30 a.m. having the best conversations. It's wierd but personal things you'd think would take years to form a trust to talk about we shared. Maybe the fact that we're complete strangers and have the luxery to go our separate ways tomorrow enables us to do that. It's the contrary though I think. I find myself wanting to seal this new friendship and christen it with the one almighty and abiding modern day symbol of continued cordial alliance; become Facebook friends with her.
7-15-12
On the trail for the 8th day now, with over 100 miles under my feet. I woke up this morning to Lola chasing Dakota, Michelle's cat right past my head. We had a nice morning. Somehow we were permitted inside, took turns taking a shower (2 hot showers 2 days in a row, that's rare on the trail) Had some great coffee, the went to Deiner's Dine in Mechanicsburg. It was within easy walking distance from her place and I was enjoying looking at the old houses along Michelle's road. This whole stretch of PA has amazing barns and old stone houses that always turn my head. After breakfast the trail was calling and we returned with clean bodies and clothes. She did our laundry. Later she said it was for her benefit though. And lastly we had a new friend, the best part. I couldn't help but feel like I softened up a bit with that luxery. My pack felt heavy and I felt slow. It was a hot day and Lola struggled a little until she cooled off in the Conodoguinet River. Then I lost Stanimal and her and soon found thunder bearing down on me. I felt confident I'd finally be walking in the rain soon and I was right. At the base of this mountain I had to climb it really started coming down. Soon the trail turned into a small river. Then soon another River was coming down the trail. I couldn't believe it but it was River, the first guy I met on the trail. He was very thrilled with the rain and spoke passionately about how nourishing it is for the brown, dry earth, shaking an invisible sphere up and down like he had the whole world in his hands. I knew he was right, the corn below needed it bad and it was very refreshing. We caught up and had a suprisingly pleasant convo despite standing in a complete downpour. I was great to see him again, almost exactly a week later to the hour. At the top of the mountain the storm stopped, my feet and shorts were soaked but my pack was dry because of my pack cover. Overall it was good, I stopped at the Darlington shelter to see if Stanimal was there but it just Gravy, Animal, a sick and sleeping Dimples, and some other guy. I pressed on to Cove Mtn Shelter and barely beat another storm. There was a section hiker here named Blackfoot who buys storage lockers in Philly. Stan and Lola must have went the extra 4 miles into Duncannon. I was fine with crashing here and saving some cash, plus I would have gotten drenched, plus this is a timberframe shelter so it's already cooler than any other shelter. It's chewed up a little bit by porcupines though, and as I lay here I could reach out and touch 3 big wolf spiders if I wanted to. These guys have like a 2 inch diameter. I'd kill them but what if there are more and it just angers the masses. I'm not sure I want to take the chance, but I also don't want to get bit by one or accidentally eat one in my sleep.
Animal and Gravy just came trudging in, soaked, then just a min ago a mom and son came too. Full house. There is also an annoying cat that won't stop meowing.
These spiders are eyeing me up. I need to kill them. One fast move with a knife......
...Well I winged on and just made the other two mad. I'm in for it for sure.
I wonder what the others think as lay here with my headlamp on, stabbing at the wall with my knife.
(A little later)
...Well I cleaved two of them asunder but missed the one I winged so hopfully he bleeds out. I should be ok. Tomorrow will be my first Nero day, a day near zero miles. I'll be hanging out at the infamous Doyle Hotel and resting my weary bones. After that it's 20's.
What a day this has been with its ups and downs. Literal and figurative. It seems like forever ago, around 11 a.m. this morning I laboriously filled my water bottle up with my Katadin Hiker Pro filter at a creek by Whiskey Spring Rd, only to drop the open water bottle immediately into the stream I just filtered into it. Then immense frustration consumed me when I couldn't get the stupid thing to prime for 20 mins. That was a low. Highs though, kinda random. Some guy working on a laptop at an outdoor cafe in Boiling Springs PA offers us the opportunity to shower at his house. He drove us there, Stanimal, Lola and I, and then left for about an hour, basically saying 'make yourselves at home.' All the while I'm wondering, "Who does this?" Stanimal, who has already thru hiked once assurred me it's normal. Maybe in trail towns but anywhere else you don't casually mention in conversation with strangers "Hey, so do you need to take a shower at my house?" What is this trail culture? It's so fascinating.
Then I guess the other high point of the day was when we met this girl named Michelle, a very nice insurance saleswoman in her early 30's, a few miles north of Boiling Springs, and she offers her porch for us to sleep on in Mechanicsburg. It looked like rain so of course I'd rather be on a porch than in the woods during a rainstorm or T-storm, but she had to clear it with her roomate. At first it seemed hopeful as she communicated with her roomate via txt, like we almost had the go ahead, the one catch was though that we weren't allowed in the house, which we were fine with, but soon it seemed it wouldn't work out. Her roomates parents were over and it would just be awkward bringing two sweaty hiker strangers over so they could sleep on the porch. So we went our separate ways at the Trimble Rd parking lot expecting to never see her again. As we proceded north with the fading evening through the pastoral corn and soybean fields I was a little sad it didn't work out. I'm always wondering if the next person I meet on the trail will be someone I'll randomly become good friends with. So we pressed on and now had to focus on finding a good stealth site now that the porch deal fell through. Well long story short, Michelle emails Stanimal, he gave her his info about his trail journals account or something and all of a sudden we're back on for the porch, still can't go in the house though. So she pick us up on Old Stone House Rd and what a thrill it is to ride in a car again, with the windows down and the wind in your face. I wanted to stick my head out the window like a dog. When walking at 2.5 mph the wind doesn't exactly whistle by. So we came to her house and just relaxed our Saturday night away in her back yard around a fire til 1:30 a.m. having the best conversations. It's wierd but personal things you'd think would take years to form a trust to talk about we shared. Maybe the fact that we're complete strangers and have the luxery to go our separate ways tomorrow enables us to do that. It's the contrary though I think. I find myself wanting to seal this new friendship and christen it with the one almighty and abiding modern day symbol of continued cordial alliance; become Facebook friends with her.
7-15-12
On the trail for the 8th day now, with over 100 miles under my feet. I woke up this morning to Lola chasing Dakota, Michelle's cat right past my head. We had a nice morning. Somehow we were permitted inside, took turns taking a shower (2 hot showers 2 days in a row, that's rare on the trail) Had some great coffee, the went to Deiner's Dine in Mechanicsburg. It was within easy walking distance from her place and I was enjoying looking at the old houses along Michelle's road. This whole stretch of PA has amazing barns and old stone houses that always turn my head. After breakfast the trail was calling and we returned with clean bodies and clothes. She did our laundry. Later she said it was for her benefit though. And lastly we had a new friend, the best part. I couldn't help but feel like I softened up a bit with that luxery. My pack felt heavy and I felt slow. It was a hot day and Lola struggled a little until she cooled off in the Conodoguinet River. Then I lost Stanimal and her and soon found thunder bearing down on me. I felt confident I'd finally be walking in the rain soon and I was right. At the base of this mountain I had to climb it really started coming down. Soon the trail turned into a small river. Then soon another River was coming down the trail. I couldn't believe it but it was River, the first guy I met on the trail. He was very thrilled with the rain and spoke passionately about how nourishing it is for the brown, dry earth, shaking an invisible sphere up and down like he had the whole world in his hands. I knew he was right, the corn below needed it bad and it was very refreshing. We caught up and had a suprisingly pleasant convo despite standing in a complete downpour. I was great to see him again, almost exactly a week later to the hour. At the top of the mountain the storm stopped, my feet and shorts were soaked but my pack was dry because of my pack cover. Overall it was good, I stopped at the Darlington shelter to see if Stanimal was there but it just Gravy, Animal, a sick and sleeping Dimples, and some other guy. I pressed on to Cove Mtn Shelter and barely beat another storm. There was a section hiker here named Blackfoot who buys storage lockers in Philly. Stan and Lola must have went the extra 4 miles into Duncannon. I was fine with crashing here and saving some cash, plus I would have gotten drenched, plus this is a timberframe shelter so it's already cooler than any other shelter. It's chewed up a little bit by porcupines though, and as I lay here I could reach out and touch 3 big wolf spiders if I wanted to. These guys have like a 2 inch diameter. I'd kill them but what if there are more and it just angers the masses. I'm not sure I want to take the chance, but I also don't want to get bit by one or accidentally eat one in my sleep.
Animal and Gravy just came trudging in, soaked, then just a min ago a mom and son came too. Full house. There is also an annoying cat that won't stop meowing.
These spiders are eyeing me up. I need to kill them. One fast move with a knife......
...Well I winged on and just made the other two mad. I'm in for it for sure.
I wonder what the others think as lay here with my headlamp on, stabbing at the wall with my knife.
(A little later)
...Well I cleaved two of them asunder but missed the one I winged so hopfully he bleeds out. I should be ok. Tomorrow will be my first Nero day, a day near zero miles. I'll be hanging out at the infamous Doyle Hotel and resting my weary bones. After that it's 20's.
7-12-12 Evening at Birch Run Shelter...
We started the day with a nice breakfast at the Flamingo. Did a quick resupply at Dollar General then, and now I'm ready in the event I get another bout of chaffing in any unpleasant places. I'm just glad I had that olive oil that first day. I didn't need much food, but bought some oatmeal and pepperoni and a tiny deodorant bar which may make me less abrasive to innocent noses on town visits.Hitchhiking back to the trail wasn't going well for the first 15-20 mins, and then a blue truck pulled over and old Crawdad hopped out, what luck! I don't know what he does, I guess he just runs slackpackers around. Slackpacking is when someone takes your backpack miles ahead for you via road so you don't have to carry it on the trail. He had a couple of packs and bounce boxes in his truck bed so we just rode on the tailgate. I could see two other heads with dreads in the cab so there was no room up front.
After getting back to the trail it was so nice to be back in the woods and away from the Scottish Inn and Suites. I felt like I had to check myself for ticks moreso after leaving the hotel than after being in the woods.
This site is very nice, lots of great spots for hanging a hammock, and not crowded in case it rains and I want to sleep in the shelter. There's a boyscout group down the way that said we could have some smores later if we want. I may jsut go to bed though, early start tomorrow. Half gallon challenge at Pine Grove possibly, A.T. Museum, and final destination James Fry Shelter 17.1 miles away. It'll be my longest day yet.
7-13-12
The trend continues, 10 mins after I get to the Pine Grove Furnace State Park it started raining. I'm hanging out right now in front of the General Store with Stanimal, Lola, Red Bearfield, a ridgerunner (they patrol sections of the trail all summer) Sketch and 2 German guys. This is the spot for the half gallon challenge, an unofficial competition to see who can eat a half gallon of ice cream in the fastest time. I have 7 more miles today so I'm opting out doing it with a half gallon of dairy in my gut. Went for a cone instead.
Nothing too crazy so far today, saw 2 deer, had to walk right under a hornets nest, at one point the trail became very narrow and it was in this wierd, staghorn sumac forest, and I realized I hadn't seen a white blaze in awhile, so for a few mins I was nervous that I'd taken a wrong turn until I saw one of the German's backpacks bobbing up and down in the distance. So I was relieved. We got a nice early start, on the trail by 20 mins til 7, so we've got time to rest with 10 miles done already today.
Last night was kinda funny, I set my hammock and laid down to test it, when I looked up there was a dead tree ominously hanging right over me. So I didn't want to get smashed if it decided to fall that night, so I pivoted over to a young healthy hemlock.
Then this group of Boyscouts nearby were carrying on a little but it was pretty funny. One kid exclusively talked in this creepy, deep voice. So I'm laying there trying to sleep and this deep, dark, scary voice is growling from the woods below me with a bunch of giggles every once in awhile coming from the other scouts. Before I drifted off he shared a poem I recall, "Roses are Red, Violets are Blue. Alone on Valentines Day? Good for you."
I think I went to sleep with a smile on my face.
We started the day with a nice breakfast at the Flamingo. Did a quick resupply at Dollar General then, and now I'm ready in the event I get another bout of chaffing in any unpleasant places. I'm just glad I had that olive oil that first day. I didn't need much food, but bought some oatmeal and pepperoni and a tiny deodorant bar which may make me less abrasive to innocent noses on town visits.Hitchhiking back to the trail wasn't going well for the first 15-20 mins, and then a blue truck pulled over and old Crawdad hopped out, what luck! I don't know what he does, I guess he just runs slackpackers around. Slackpacking is when someone takes your backpack miles ahead for you via road so you don't have to carry it on the trail. He had a couple of packs and bounce boxes in his truck bed so we just rode on the tailgate. I could see two other heads with dreads in the cab so there was no room up front.
After getting back to the trail it was so nice to be back in the woods and away from the Scottish Inn and Suites. I felt like I had to check myself for ticks moreso after leaving the hotel than after being in the woods.
This site is very nice, lots of great spots for hanging a hammock, and not crowded in case it rains and I want to sleep in the shelter. There's a boyscout group down the way that said we could have some smores later if we want. I may jsut go to bed though, early start tomorrow. Half gallon challenge at Pine Grove possibly, A.T. Museum, and final destination James Fry Shelter 17.1 miles away. It'll be my longest day yet.
7-13-12
The trend continues, 10 mins after I get to the Pine Grove Furnace State Park it started raining. I'm hanging out right now in front of the General Store with Stanimal, Lola, Red Bearfield, a ridgerunner (they patrol sections of the trail all summer) Sketch and 2 German guys. This is the spot for the half gallon challenge, an unofficial competition to see who can eat a half gallon of ice cream in the fastest time. I have 7 more miles today so I'm opting out doing it with a half gallon of dairy in my gut. Went for a cone instead.
Nothing too crazy so far today, saw 2 deer, had to walk right under a hornets nest, at one point the trail became very narrow and it was in this wierd, staghorn sumac forest, and I realized I hadn't seen a white blaze in awhile, so for a few mins I was nervous that I'd taken a wrong turn until I saw one of the German's backpacks bobbing up and down in the distance. So I was relieved. We got a nice early start, on the trail by 20 mins til 7, so we've got time to rest with 10 miles done already today.
Last night was kinda funny, I set my hammock and laid down to test it, when I looked up there was a dead tree ominously hanging right over me. So I didn't want to get smashed if it decided to fall that night, so I pivoted over to a young healthy hemlock.
Then this group of Boyscouts nearby were carrying on a little but it was pretty funny. One kid exclusively talked in this creepy, deep voice. So I'm laying there trying to sleep and this deep, dark, scary voice is growling from the woods below me with a bunch of giggles every once in awhile coming from the other scouts. Before I drifted off he shared a poem I recall, "Roses are Red, Violets are Blue. Alone on Valentines Day? Good for you."
I think I went to sleep with a smile on my face.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
July 11th
Eating right now at the Flamingo Family Restaurant in Fayettesville, PA. We hitchhiked a few miles from the trail to the Scottish Inn, an absolute dive of a motel. Luckily though we arrived under the awning moments before a downpour started. So that was fortunately the second time that happened to me. I've yet to walk in rain. As we waited under the awning, deciding whether to stay or try to hitch further into town, I looked into the distant fog and rain, and right above the pest control trucks in the parking lot I could scarcely see the outline of the ridge we just traversed. It was fun to think that I just walked across that mountain.
The rain persisted and blew in under the awning, and we decided to get a room. Because of Lola, we got a pet room, or maybe the pet room. I don't know. It's also the smoking room I think. I won't dwell on its deficiencies and possibly ruin your day with that toxic negativity. So I'll say that a hot shower was nice after 4 days without one. Food was great at the Flamingo, and we beat the rain. Now we need to plan a trip into Boiling Springs, PA, 40 miles away. It'll be nice because the trail runs right through the town. And there's pizza there.
The rain persisted and blew in under the awning, and we decided to get a room. Because of Lola, we got a pet room, or maybe the pet room. I don't know. It's also the smoking room I think. I won't dwell on its deficiencies and possibly ruin your day with that toxic negativity. So I'll say that a hot shower was nice after 4 days without one. Food was great at the Flamingo, and we beat the rain. Now we need to plan a trip into Boiling Springs, PA, 40 miles away. It'll be nice because the trail runs right through the town. And there's pizza there.
July 10th
So content right now. We stopped at Pen Mar County Park, it has great bathrooms where I cleaned up a little, did some laundry, and just got things together. Gravy, Dimples, and Animal bought some pizza but couldn't finish it, so Stanimal and I each had 2.5 pieces. Very amazing taco pizza. I also bought a Pepsi, which was awesome til I dropped it and spilled half. After that it was very fizzy, but still good.
Amazing views over Pennsylvania and Maryland, and I feel great. My feet are a little sore and I'm hoping I don't get bad blisters. I only have one small one as of now. We plan to push on to Deer Lick Shelter about 5 miles away soon. I woke up with this cute cat sleeping beside me in a fold of my hammock. She was with me throughout the night, and at times helped to keep me warm. It was beautiful to see the kitten silhouetted against the rising sun through my bug net, and the leaves fluttering, and the dew shimmering on the grass in the field. It was a very nice way to wake up.
We just ate dinner at Deer Lick Shelter, in PA! But we might go another 2 miles to Anteitam Shelter. It feels good to be in PA and have walked across a whole state but I'm not getting excited, things are going too well, and I'm afraid I might be in for it. We'll see. Supper is funny because Stanimal gives me his food sometimes, it's pretty good. For dessert he gave me a glob of some chocolatey graham cracker, pistachio conglomerate right from the bowl Lola just licked clean for him, which she was happy to do. I'm not too picky out here. I've yet to filter my water, the springs where we get water from are refreshingly clear and cool. Unless Lola gets there first. When your water is coming right out of the ground it doesn't give you a feeling you'll get sick. And it satisfies some innate, pioneer desire to feel like you're surviving by the land. It's a cool evening, and I'm ready to 2.4 more miles, albeit with slightly sore feet and knees.
Evening now at Anteitam Shelter. By far the most beautiful yet. Right in front of the shelter is a peaceful, cool stream that felt amazing on sore bare feet. Doctored a blister after setting my hammock up among towering poplar oak and hemlock, quite an idyllic spot. I chose to filter the stream water, and it has a sweet, musty taste that was very good. (My friend Michael, who tests the water quality for streams and fisheries in PA expertly guessed there was a dead muskrat 250 yards upstream. Haha.)I'm loving the simple lifestyle. Just little things like dipping feet in cool water or having a lightning bug visit you under your rain fly as you jot down your final thoughts for the day are very satisfying and beautiful. Not beautiful are the obnoxious teenagers camping downstream. Hopefully they shut up soon, but sounds like they're having fun, which is good. We flipflopped with them all day, so they should be tired after 15 miles. I am.
Goodnight
Amazing views over Pennsylvania and Maryland, and I feel great. My feet are a little sore and I'm hoping I don't get bad blisters. I only have one small one as of now. We plan to push on to Deer Lick Shelter about 5 miles away soon. I woke up with this cute cat sleeping beside me in a fold of my hammock. She was with me throughout the night, and at times helped to keep me warm. It was beautiful to see the kitten silhouetted against the rising sun through my bug net, and the leaves fluttering, and the dew shimmering on the grass in the field. It was a very nice way to wake up.
We just ate dinner at Deer Lick Shelter, in PA! But we might go another 2 miles to Anteitam Shelter. It feels good to be in PA and have walked across a whole state but I'm not getting excited, things are going too well, and I'm afraid I might be in for it. We'll see. Supper is funny because Stanimal gives me his food sometimes, it's pretty good. For dessert he gave me a glob of some chocolatey graham cracker, pistachio conglomerate right from the bowl Lola just licked clean for him, which she was happy to do. I'm not too picky out here. I've yet to filter my water, the springs where we get water from are refreshingly clear and cool. Unless Lola gets there first. When your water is coming right out of the ground it doesn't give you a feeling you'll get sick. And it satisfies some innate, pioneer desire to feel like you're surviving by the land. It's a cool evening, and I'm ready to 2.4 more miles, albeit with slightly sore feet and knees.
Evening now at Anteitam Shelter. By far the most beautiful yet. Right in front of the shelter is a peaceful, cool stream that felt amazing on sore bare feet. Doctored a blister after setting my hammock up among towering poplar oak and hemlock, quite an idyllic spot. I chose to filter the stream water, and it has a sweet, musty taste that was very good. (My friend Michael, who tests the water quality for streams and fisheries in PA expertly guessed there was a dead muskrat 250 yards upstream. Haha.)I'm loving the simple lifestyle. Just little things like dipping feet in cool water or having a lightning bug visit you under your rain fly as you jot down your final thoughts for the day are very satisfying and beautiful. Not beautiful are the obnoxious teenagers camping downstream. Hopefully they shut up soon, but sounds like they're having fun, which is good. We flipflopped with them all day, so they should be tired after 15 miles. I am.
Goodnight
July 9th
A 16 mile day after a long night, the person beside me in the shelter was riding a dirt bike I thought, or maybe just snoring. So I went outside because it stopped raining and set up my hammock, but then soon after I fell asleep it started raining again, so back in by the dirt bike. Eventually I fell asleep, but it was rough.
Adrenaline rush of the trip so far, almost stepping on a rattle snake while I was coming down a rocky ridge. Stanimal and Lola walked right by it or woke it up or something because it seemed lethargic, never even rattled. I was just about to step over it when I spotted it and screamed like a little girl and jumped into a poison ivy patch. I judged while standing in the ivy that it offered less immediate danger. After I got my bearings I of course had to poke at it with my trekking pole, fully extended. It turned slightly toward me from 5 feet away. It was only 2.5 feet long, about a 1.5 inch rattle, but that was enough to send me running away like a little girl. All in all, it was a good balance of fear and fun.
Well, we're camped now near some very nice fields, I'm in my hammock right now above an old fallen down stone wall, and more poison ivy of course. It'll be a miracle if I don't have it tomorrow. Not much of an appetite yet. Forced down some noodles and instant taters, but Lola had to finish them for me. She even licked my spork clean so I don't have to wash it, or put it in my pack dirty. Short on water right now because we left the shelter. There were some jerk section hikers there with bad energy. Even Gravy, and Animal who just came mentioned it as well.
Today's trail magic, dried papaya from a nice couple with 2 kids and some mac and cheese from a can at the shelter where we got water. Free stuff is awesome.
Adrenaline rush of the trip so far, almost stepping on a rattle snake while I was coming down a rocky ridge. Stanimal and Lola walked right by it or woke it up or something because it seemed lethargic, never even rattled. I was just about to step over it when I spotted it and screamed like a little girl and jumped into a poison ivy patch. I judged while standing in the ivy that it offered less immediate danger. After I got my bearings I of course had to poke at it with my trekking pole, fully extended. It turned slightly toward me from 5 feet away. It was only 2.5 feet long, about a 1.5 inch rattle, but that was enough to send me running away like a little girl. All in all, it was a good balance of fear and fun.
Well, we're camped now near some very nice fields, I'm in my hammock right now above an old fallen down stone wall, and more poison ivy of course. It'll be a miracle if I don't have it tomorrow. Not much of an appetite yet. Forced down some noodles and instant taters, but Lola had to finish them for me. She even licked my spork clean so I don't have to wash it, or put it in my pack dirty. Short on water right now because we left the shelter. There were some jerk section hikers there with bad energy. Even Gravy, and Animal who just came mentioned it as well.
Today's trail magic, dried papaya from a nice couple with 2 kids and some mac and cheese from a can at the shelter where we got water. Free stuff is awesome.
July 8th
July 8th, early afternoon
Well it's day one of a dream some 16 years in the making. When I was around 12 I bought a copy of Bill Bryson's, A Walk in the Woods, fascinated with the idea that a cohesive foot path winds the whole way from Georgia to Maine. I gave up on the book half-way through though because Bryson gave up on the trail half-way through. Critical of his lack of resolve I thought, "How hard can it be?" Well, I'm finally going to find out.
I'm starting my hike in the unofficial middle of the trail, Harpers Ferry, WV with plans to be North Bound (NOBO) to Maine. Then tackle the southern section, Georgia to West Virginia as a NOBO or SOBO (South Bound) we'll see which one if and when the time comes.
Presently I'm sitting in a dying down thunderstorm under a pavillion in Gathland State Park, MD. I reached this area that is rich with history after hiking 9.8 miles from Harpers Ferry, another place that's got quite a prolific past, especially with the Civil War. As always, I'll do my best to take the time to read to informational signs and plaques. I'll probably stand there with my hand on my chin nodding my head, and maybe even sprinkle in the occasional contemplative gaze into the history-soaked ether. Of course then, after buzzing through the last half of the info, I'll walk away retaining zero knowledge of what infantry circled around what knob, or how the regiment under general so-and-so came to be surrounded on the old Johnson Farm. I will appreciate the old buildings though and ogle over the stonework; and simply continue on my way knowing that something important happened here, and I'm the better for being able to see it.
...Back to the moment at hand. the storm seems to be passing, which is good, and I hear no audible successors. Steam is barreling off the parking lot, and I'm feeling good about pressing on for my day's goal. Crompton Gap shelter, only .4 miles away. I think I'll go fill my water bottles, curse the vending machine again for not taken my sweat swollen dollar bill, and be on my way.
Looking back, the day has been great. I ran into my first NOBO thru hiker. After I found that out I said I was NOBO too, and reached out my hand for a fist bump. "I don't have a trail name yet, so I guess for now it's Jordan."
"River" was the reply of my new sweaty acquaintance. We walked together at a fast pace for 4 or 5 miles, and the conversation made the hiking a breeze. River started in Georgia and is "...really into this whole positive thinking thing." which he expounded on for me. The word energy was used a lot, and I really enjoyed our time together.
It had good energy.
We went our separate ways then once we got to this park. He went to hang out and then slack pack with Crawdad, and Zig Zag.
Evening
Here I was interrupted by a man walking my way from a van. He was carrying a cooler and was wearing a plaid kilt. His name was Bluedog and I realized I was about to be blessed with my first trail magic. Water, Pepsi, and then his wife/friend? Gloria brings over some watermelon, oranges, and bananas. Not bad for a first day, I thought. We shot the breeze for a while and he explained he's doing trail magic to save up some good karma for his thru hike in the future. I was happy to be on the receiving end of his generosity, and I'll have to remember to send him some good energy his way when he hikes. Soon Stanimal, and Red Bearfield show up and partook as well. Stanimal had an old English Bulldog named Lola. I hiked with Stanimal the whole way to the shelter, 5 miles beyond what I was planning on doing. Again, it was good conversation, and fun being with Lola. At the shelter, there were already like 8 guys, and cool and laid back. I could barely eat because I wasn't hungry, but I forced down some rice. My traps were really sore, but otherwise I felt fine for my first day. 15 miles, more than I said I would. I hope I don't regret that.
Well it's day one of a dream some 16 years in the making. When I was around 12 I bought a copy of Bill Bryson's, A Walk in the Woods, fascinated with the idea that a cohesive foot path winds the whole way from Georgia to Maine. I gave up on the book half-way through though because Bryson gave up on the trail half-way through. Critical of his lack of resolve I thought, "How hard can it be?" Well, I'm finally going to find out.
I'm starting my hike in the unofficial middle of the trail, Harpers Ferry, WV with plans to be North Bound (NOBO) to Maine. Then tackle the southern section, Georgia to West Virginia as a NOBO or SOBO (South Bound) we'll see which one if and when the time comes.
Presently I'm sitting in a dying down thunderstorm under a pavillion in Gathland State Park, MD. I reached this area that is rich with history after hiking 9.8 miles from Harpers Ferry, another place that's got quite a prolific past, especially with the Civil War. As always, I'll do my best to take the time to read to informational signs and plaques. I'll probably stand there with my hand on my chin nodding my head, and maybe even sprinkle in the occasional contemplative gaze into the history-soaked ether. Of course then, after buzzing through the last half of the info, I'll walk away retaining zero knowledge of what infantry circled around what knob, or how the regiment under general so-and-so came to be surrounded on the old Johnson Farm. I will appreciate the old buildings though and ogle over the stonework; and simply continue on my way knowing that something important happened here, and I'm the better for being able to see it.
...Back to the moment at hand. the storm seems to be passing, which is good, and I hear no audible successors. Steam is barreling off the parking lot, and I'm feeling good about pressing on for my day's goal. Crompton Gap shelter, only .4 miles away. I think I'll go fill my water bottles, curse the vending machine again for not taken my sweat swollen dollar bill, and be on my way.
Looking back, the day has been great. I ran into my first NOBO thru hiker. After I found that out I said I was NOBO too, and reached out my hand for a fist bump. "I don't have a trail name yet, so I guess for now it's Jordan."
"River" was the reply of my new sweaty acquaintance. We walked together at a fast pace for 4 or 5 miles, and the conversation made the hiking a breeze. River started in Georgia and is "...really into this whole positive thinking thing." which he expounded on for me. The word energy was used a lot, and I really enjoyed our time together.
It had good energy.
We went our separate ways then once we got to this park. He went to hang out and then slack pack with Crawdad, and Zig Zag.
Evening
Here I was interrupted by a man walking my way from a van. He was carrying a cooler and was wearing a plaid kilt. His name was Bluedog and I realized I was about to be blessed with my first trail magic. Water, Pepsi, and then his wife/friend? Gloria brings over some watermelon, oranges, and bananas. Not bad for a first day, I thought. We shot the breeze for a while and he explained he's doing trail magic to save up some good karma for his thru hike in the future. I was happy to be on the receiving end of his generosity, and I'll have to remember to send him some good energy his way when he hikes. Soon Stanimal, and Red Bearfield show up and partook as well. Stanimal had an old English Bulldog named Lola. I hiked with Stanimal the whole way to the shelter, 5 miles beyond what I was planning on doing. Again, it was good conversation, and fun being with Lola. At the shelter, there were already like 8 guys, and cool and laid back. I could barely eat because I wasn't hungry, but I forced down some rice. My traps were really sore, but otherwise I felt fine for my first day. 15 miles, more than I said I would. I hope I don't regret that.
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