Rock Encounters

Day 98

There was a lot of different terrain on the trail today. It began with a long hike in the woods. There was a great view then I made my way down to Duncannon where I walked through a hiker based fair then continued for over a mile on town sidewalks (which really made my feet hurt). I crossed the Susquehanna river next to a highway, got off the exit ramp, crossed some railroad tracks with a waiting train, then hiked a steep ascent up the mountain. Near the top I finally hit some of the infamous Pennsylvania rocks. It'll be slow moving when I navigate those in the future.

Chameleon and I chose to stop early today so that we could stay in a shelter tonight. We have been hearing about this big storm for days and figured it would be nice to stay dry.

Day 99 

For the first time I was present when a hiker announced they would be leaving the trail. I am sad to say Madhatter got off the trail today. Luna may be as well, though I don't know for sure. Hearing a fellow hiker's decision to get off the trail reminded me of hearing a fellow Peace Corps Volunteer's decision to go home. Both were hard choices to make. I am sad and bummed about Madhatter's departure but he had to do what was best for him. I am once again reminded of how lucky I am to still be strong, happy, and healthy on the trail with Chameleon.

Today was the summer solstice! I thought I might hike my biggest mile day on the longest day of the year but decided not to after finding a campsite next to water. Being flexible on the trail has been so important to remaining happy.

Day 100

Lots of water on the trail today. I discovered the sole of my boot has separated and now leaks. As a result I was trying to step on as many rocks as possible to avoid the water.

Trail magic with hamburgers was provided this evening! I was surprised to see six hikers there when Chameleon and I arrived because we had only seen two of them during the day. The Trail Angel was a past AT hiker and he had since hiked the Pacific Crest Trail.

Day 101 

I got to shower at the 501 shelter today! It was a bit of a bummer to put on my dirty hiking clothes afterwards but at least I smelled better.

Chameleon and I waited out a thunderstorm at the shelter. People could hardly believe we were leaving because pizza was being ordered (one of two shelters I know of where this can be done). I much prefer sleeping next to a river than in a shelter with a lot of snoring hikers.

I had the feeling of being back in Chuuk today. I decided to relax on the top bunk and laid down directly on the wood. The rain was pounding on the ceiling, and lots of people were talking in the room. The weather was also hot and humid. It was strange and fun to have the sensation of being back in Chuuk.

Day 102 

I woke up to a delightfully chilly morning. It felt like a fall morning when everything feels fresh. The air stayed crisp all day which was a welcome change. Yesterday I spent much of the day with my head surrounded by a cloud of flies. They kept trying to fly into my eyes too, and many succeeded. Thankfully no bugs today!

Tonight I am sleeping in the pavilion in Port Clinton, PA. I appreciate having a free place to stay. There are a lot of other hikers here too. Unfortunately no river to lull me to sleep tonight, there is a road quite close by. Off to buy new shoes tomorrow! I must remember to photograph the present pair before they are retired.

Day 103

I now have new boots! They are surprisingly similar to my last pair but these are Merrills since Patagonia doesn't make boots anymore. I only hiked three miles in the today but I think the boots will break in nicely. At least my right foot is no longer drinking muddy water from the trail.

Day 104 

I hiked to the Pinnacle today! The view was fantastic looking down onto farmland in the valley and across to the ridge I traversed in the morning. There were birds flying and soaring on the air currents. Perhaps they were hawks? One landed on a tree very close by.

The Eckville Shelter had a shower so I'm clean again! There were so many lightning bugs in the evening. I hopIe I am never too old to get excited about the magic of fireflies!

Day 105 

Today was one of the most challenging days on the trail thus far. It was a wet morning, though mostly just dripping from trees. After lunch the rain truly began and so did the rocks. As the wind whipped by, while I was on all fours making sure I didn't slip on the boulders, I couldn't help but feel a little crazy.

I was excited to reach the shelter hoping to get warm and dry. Much to my disappointment it was nearly full with room for one. While Chameleon and I are sure we both could have fit without making people squish too much, the inhabitants didn't agree. I was not impressed... we left to set up our tents. I was grumpy, cold, and hungry.

At least some of the bad Pennsylvania rocks were conquered and I ended the day dry, warm, and fed in my tent before going to sleep.

Day 106 

I got 12 hours of sleep last night! I woke up early, confirmed with Chameleon that motivation was lacking on a wet morning, then fell asleep for two more hours.

The hike out of Lehigh Gap was intense. I once again found myself on all fours on the trail comprised of rock faces and scrambles. Wearing a pack while pulling myself up and over rocks was not fun. I felt crazy again today. I am so thankful it didn't rain!

Tonight I camped in a pavilion behind a restaurant. Other hikers tipped us off about the spot. So much better than finding a shelter full of unfriendly hikers! When we arrived people immediately said they could make room for two more. Thank you!

Day 107

Happy Birthday to my brother! After making a number of attempts I did manage to reach him and catch up for a bit. It will be great to be home and close to family again when I finish the trail.

As I was trying to get service to call my brother, a hiker came walking towards me. When I asked how she was doing she showed me her freshly bloodied knee. I had her come into camp and was able to use my first aid kit to help her clean up her knee. I was glad I was able to help her out! Good luck Warm and Toasty!

I spent all day looking down at the trail today. There were so many small uneven rocks embedded in the path that I could barely look around at my surroundings. After Chameleon humorously lamented our progress I had to sit from laughing so hard. Much to my surprise and delight Weedeater came walking towards us at that moment! We hadn't seen him since Four Pines Hostel in mid May.  It was fun to catch up a bit.

I am excited that tomorrow will be our last day in Pennsylvania before heading on to New Jersey.

Day 108

Last night I was awoken by a crying, whining, sad animal noise. It went on for over an hour. Of course by the time I finally decided to get out my phone to record the noise it stopped. Today Chameleon looked up crying animal videos and we discovered it was a porcupine.

Tonight I am staying in the Church of the Mountain hiker hostel. Chameleon and I arrived around 4 pm which allowed for lots of leisure time. I feel like I have laughed more tonight than I have in while and I love it!

Day 109

So many new things today! A new state in a new month hitting a new milestone of 1300! It feels great to have completed seven states. New Jersey was beautiful today! There were multiple expansive views, less rocks, rivers, lakes, prickly dewberries, and blueberries. I climbed to the top of a fire tower and was surprised that I saw so many trees with hardly any civilization. I never expected New Jersey to be the place I felt most surrounded by wilderness.

At the end of our hike today Chameleon, Weedeater, and I were picked up and taken to a friend's house. I met Sue in a wilderness first aid class just before leaving to hike the AT and offered to take me in when I walked into New Jersey. We had quite a fun ride getting to Sue's house. She encountered a tree in the road and called her nephew to get us. He had a fancy red sports car that felt a little like a clown car as three of us and all our gear were loaded up. 

At Sue's house we were treated to a fantastic meal made by her and her parents. Lots of protein choices, fresh green beans, beans and rice, and dessert! Tonight we get to sleep in a bed while hearing the creek through the open screen door. I'm sure I'll sleep well tonight!

Day 110

Sue dropped us off at the trail this morning and we had a great day of slack packing. The weather was warm with a nice breeze. I saw a few other thru-hikers who all reported bear sightings though I didn't see one myself. The view from the fire tower once again revealed vast amounts of forest and a few lakes.

After Sue's parents picked us up we got our resupply and had a late dinner. Having a kitchen was such a treat! Thank you for hosting!