Oh, We're Half Way There!

Day 90

This morning was my last morning in D.C. and it was relaxing and productive. I reorganized everything in my pack and posted a blog update.

After taking trains and a bus we set out on the trail at 5:45 pm. Even with an evening start I was sweating profusely on a couple miles of level trail. I cannot imagine how uncomfortable it would have been to hike all day in that heat. It feels good to be back sleeping outside again, listening to the wind blow through the leaves.

The little stream was so green!

Day 91

I experienced trail magic for the first time in a while! A thru-hiker from 2009 had ice cold towels, drinks, cookies, and breakfast sandwiches. So wonderful to get cooled off after so much sweating!

At lunch I met a father and son pair who were very friendly. The son had called to me after I passed them and asked if I was carrying a ukulele. It turned out his dad was a music teacher and used to teach in Maine. What a small world!

I saw the original Washington Monument today. I'm glad that I've seen both! The old one was a lookout tower that (if I remember correctly) was used during the civil war.
 

Day 92

I walked into Pennsylvania today! Now that I have walked through the four state challenge (Virginia to Pennsylvania in one day) I am so happy I didn't attempt, nor have any desire, to try it. My feet hurt more at the end of the day today than any other day on the trail.

 

This morning I was not in the best of moods. I decided to take a side trail to check out a view. Somehow seeing an expansive valley completely changed my mood. Having open space was like a breath of fresh air and it cleared my head. I went back to the trail feeling refreshed and happy.

 

Day 93

The two shelters segregated the hikers by sleep habits!

I have been on the trail three months today! The day started with a bang- there were multiple thunderstorms during the night. My tent was quite wet and muddy on the outside. I attempted to dry it out at lunch but it started raining again before it was completely dry.

I met two more people from Maine today! Luna was slack packing with Madhatter. I had heard about both of them since Georgia. Then tonight I met Moosehead who grew up in Maine. Hopefully with all these Mainers on the trail I'll be able to see them off the trail too.

Day 94

I'm half way there! Chameleon and I are thrilled to have completed half of the Appalachian Trail and are excited to continue on our journey to Katahdin.

This morning I took pictures of mushrooms and other fungus. As I was doing so I wondered how long it would take for my clothes, pack, or body to grow fungus. Due to humidity, sweat, and rain, none of my stuff has been fully dry since leaving D.C. I encountered a new feeling today, my skin was feeling very prickly, as though something was biting it. Nothing was... apparently it was the salt build up from sweat... fantastic.

 

Day 95

This morning I was surprised and delighted to discover a general store on our path where I could attempt the half gallon challenge. I am proud to say I finished an entire carton of mint chocolate chip ice cream! The carton was not a half gallon but just three pints. In order to get the next pint I would have had to pay separately for another pint. I was feeling good and didn't want to make myself sick. I am still proud (and slightly disturbed) that I ate three pints in one sitting.

What did I do after eating that much? I went swimming of course! I couldn't walk by a lake on a beautiful day and not swim. I was even able to shower afterwards! I did notice I felt a bit sleepy late in the afternoon. Perhaps it was a sugar low. Hmm I just realized that even with eating over 1000 calories in ice cream mid morning I ate all my allotted food for the day except one Clif bar.

Such a great set of sculptures

Day 96

Still enjoying the fact that Pennsylvania was not all rocks like everyone said before we arrived. The trail did wind its way needlessly through a bunch of boulders today but it was fun and amusing.

Chameleon and I hiked past a few corn fields before arriving in Boiling Springs. As we were trying to figure out where to do laundry we talked to people in town. A local young guy offered his house as a place to wash clothes. It all worked out and after confusing his younger brother with our arrival we had nice clean clothes.

As we chatted and waited for the wash we got a message saying a friend's aunt and uncle would be able to host us! It was wonderful to meet Mariel's aunt and uncle. They have been terrific hosts. Chameleon and I have separate rooms here and I must admit it feels a little strange!

Day 97
I had the fantastic opportunity to slack pack today. For the first time Chameleon and I hiked part of the trail southbound. Our host dropped us off and we spent the day making our way back to Boiling Springs. It was fun to see a bunch of northbound hikers that we knew walking towards us. Madhatter gave us a heads up that there was trail magic ahead! A fellow hiker had gotten off the trail to spend time with his wife and they made us delicious burgers.

Another hightlight of the day- Scott Jurek, who is trying to break the record for fastest supported thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail, passed us today! Unfortunately I didn't realize who he was at the time.  Chameleon guessed that it was him and he was followed by a small group of people.  I am excited that I got to witness him in his attempt.

I will spend a second night with our lovely hosts and be back to carrying my pack tomorrow.