Addendum to today's post.

Addendum to today's post.

I forgot to mention that I passed a small group of Buddhist monks hiking south on the #AppalachianTrail today. They are traveling from their monastery in New York to an upcoming event in Washington DC. I only know this because one of the monks and their "mom" is staying at the hostel tonight and they joined in the dinner conversation. She shuttles supplies down the trail so they only carry light packs, at most.

More info at https://pathofhappiness.org.

Anyway, dinner is pictured. A fried chicken sandwich, broccoli, potatoes, a salad, and lemonade, with a peanut butter pie for dessert. It was delicious!

I'll start with today's hike, then post what I recall of previous days missed.

I'll start with today's hike, then post what I recall of previous days missed.

Started at William Penn shelter, starting after thru-hikers ATsquared, Patches, and another yet to be trail named. They were going to hike/hitch into Pine Grove PA to resupply. I opted to head for PA 183, and try for a spot at the Rock n Sole hostel, which provides dinner, breakfast and resupply run to Dollar General.

Very cold morning, but got packed up and hiking before 8am. Expected a relatively easy day of 13 miles, but after an easy start, the trail became rocky and there were a few big climbs/descents that wore me out. I also ran low on water and was dehydrated, ironic because the trail approaching the Fort Dietrich Snyder monument (pictured) was swampy. I was able to get refilled at a nearby spring, but sank into mud a few times.

I was able to call the hostel owner when I reached 183, and they picked me up for the 1.6 miles to the hostel, a converted garage behind their house (pictures). Happy to run into Rockdawg (met a few days ago at Cove Mountain shelter), his friends Bangles and Johnny Walker (whom I was trailing), and Red Squirrel.

Looking forward to dinner!

Made 18 miles from Peters Mountain to Rausch Gap shelter yesterday, longest day yet.

Made 18 miles from Peters Mountain to Rausch Gap shelter yesterday, longest day yet. Heading to William Penn shelter today.

Long day from Cove Mountain shelter through Duncannon PA to Peters Mountain shelter for the night.

Long day from Cove Mountain shelter through Duncannon PA to Peters Mountain shelter for the night. Saving battery - catch up on the hike must wait.

Catch-up for 23-24 April.

Catch-up for 23-24 April. While I was waiting at Ironmasters Mansion hostel at Pine Grove Furnace, I was joined by Gizmo, a section hiker from Colorado who started his #AppalachianTrail hike at the James River footbridge almost 350 miles south. We chatted quite a bit while waiting for the hostel to open at 5pm. Gizmo got his trail name on this trip because he carries several gadgets, including an InReach satellite messaging device and a GPS watch.

We both got into the hostel (the only two who stayed that night, actually). Nice to get a shower, and the Innkeeper served us pizza for dinner. I also did my laundry.

Gizmo decided it was time to return home to his family, and a friend in Maryland agreed to pick him up the next day.

The Innkeeper provided a nice breakfast of scrambled eggs, toaster waffles, toasted bagel and orange sections. I also drank several glasses of OJ - very thirsty!

Gizmo decided to hike north and back on the AT before his afternoon pickup. He got started earlier than I, so I didn't see him again until he was returning about eight miles along. We said our farewells and I continued on to the Alec Kennedy shelter, my longest hike yet (15+ miles) finishing with some steep climbs. It was a rather gloomy hike with rain expected, but I did stop at Green Mountain store at noon and got a big turkey, ham and bacon sub with a quart of chocolate milk to wash it down (pictured). Did you notice the food theme developing?

I made it to the shelter (pictured) shortly before the rain started. Had the place to myself. It was nice to be warm and dry while the rain continued all night.

Got a hotel room in Carlisle PA for the night, and just finished a big meatloaf dinner at the Middlesex Diner...

Got a hotel room in Carlisle PA for the night, and just finished a big meatloaf dinner at the Middlesex Diner (pictured). Can't believe I still had room for a chocolate sundae to top it off!

Picked up my "bounce box" resupply late morning at Boiling Springs PA post office (nearby park pictured) and shipped what I didn't need forward to pick up next week. I probably took out too much, so my pack weight is up.

I'm surprised at how tired I am. Only 13 or so miles, and a lot across relatively flat farm fields (pictured).

Most of the day was rather grey and damp, spitting rain, but I wore my orange poncho/tarp, which kept me dry. Some gunfire near the trail made me glad I was in orange, and hurried me along.

Catch-up 22 April.

Catch-up 22 April. Another beautiful hiking day! After climbing out of Quarry Gap, pretty easy walking except for a dip where the Milesburn cabin is located (pictured). A group of hikers were gathered there, apparently leaving after a weekend outing.

There is a deep, dark grove of hemlocks (pictured) that I really enjoyed passing through, making me think of a haunted European forest. The trail was all soft pine needles.

Also passed thorough an intentional burn area of the Michaux State Forest, which was neat to see (pictured). The #AppalachianTrail makes a small detour through a habitat restoration area.

Spent the night at Toms Run shelter, where I was joined by Drip-Dry, a section hiker from the Richmond area (IIRC) doing his first hike alone. He is also a Scoutmaster, and has a lot of hiking experience that he shared with me, including about other sections of the AT. He is to meet his wife in Duncannon PA on Wednesday, so he has to put in some big miles this week!

Catch-up 21 April.

Catch-up 21 April. Caledonia State Park is magnificent! Very pretty walk from Route 30 through the park picnic areas, then a steep climb through a tunnel of Rhododendron (pictured) and along a stream to Quarry Gap shelter, which was full of Boy Scouts and several Scoutmasters from Shippensburg (I believe) (pictured). We were also joined by a father with his young (6 yo?) daughter, and it was fun to watch her following the camp activities.

Another beautiful shelter location with springs and stream in front of the shelter, running through the Rhododendron.

Had a nice chat around the campfire in front of the shelter as it got dark. One of the Scoutmasters is related (nephew?) to a retired colleague I knew from work. Small world!

Catch-up 21 April. Followed the thru-hikers out in the morning but they were long gone.

Catch-up 21 April. Followed the thru-hikers out in the morning but they were long gone.

Beautiful hiking day and trail was fairly easy. Reached Route 30 near Fayetteville PA at 2pm, eager to have a real meal at Timbers restaurant just down the road.

The thru-hikers from the morning were just returning from the restaurant on the opposite side of the road and we exchanged waves and greetings.

Timbers is very friendly to hikers! Charge-up, WiFi, hikers logbook, hikers exchange box, and a stamp for my AT Passport.

I ordered the "Trail Mix" (pictured, regular portion, not the hiker double portion)-diced home fries, ham, bacon, sausage topped with two eggs and gravy. Didn't realize how hungry I was until I started eating, then I shoveled it in. Mmm! I only wished I had room left for ice cream, but I had a steep climb ahead.

Catch-up.

Catch-up. Trail Magic 3 on 20 April. Reached Tumbling Run shelter (pictured) just in time to meet the volunteer caretaker Kurt (and his dog Mocha), who gave me lots of great advice on places to stay and the trail north.
A very well-maintained shelter and shows the caretaker's sense of humor (solar/lunar light switch and doorbell on the privy). The two shelters are for snoring (left) and non-snoring (right) hikers.

Beautiful stream and gushing springs nearby.

Joined that night by thru-hikers (Sourpatch et al.) starting in Georgia, moving north quickly. Really enjoyed the banter and their advice.

Catch-up.

Catch-up. Planned to refill water at this springhouse at the Old Forge picnic area in PA on 20 April, but the spigot was missing (bottom of photo)! A man who had just driven in offered me two water bottles, exactly how much I needed to fill my SmartWater bottle. Trail Magic 2 for the day! Turned out he maintains the park facilities, and he ordered a new spigot but it must go through a procurement process (sounds familiar).

Beautiful area that I want to come back to visit!

Catch up post.

Catch up post. Crossed the Mason-Dixon line into PA at 11a on 20 April and encountered my first Trail Magic! This incredibly generous family (pictured) provided a table and cooler full of free food, drinks and supplies for hikers. This was their first time as Trail Angels. We chatted a bit, and I had some chocolate milk and a banana (good muscle food). Like I, other hikers l met were very grateful.

Playing catch-up using the WiFi and power at the Pine Grove Furnace Store, as I haven't had cell service for a...

Playing catch-up using the WiFi and power at the Pine Grove Furnace Store, as I haven't had cell service for a couple of days and battery was low. Weather has been chilly but sunny. Unfortunately, the store and #AppalachianTrail Museum are only open weekends until May, but I knew that coming in. Hope to stay at the Ironmaster's Mansion hostel (pictured) here tonight.

13.1 miles from Pine Knob shelter to Raven Rocks shelter today.

13.1 miles from Pine Knob shelter to Raven Rocks shelter today. Rough and rocky sections, with some cold rain to boot. Looking forward to rest.

Cold night at Rocky Run shelter with several other hikers.

Cold night at Rocky Run shelter with several other hikers. Snow flurries all day Tuesday. Now stopping at Dahlgren back packers camp to use the shower facilities.

Early day at Ed Garvey shelter.

Early day at Ed Garvey shelter. Staying with another hiker in the loft, sheltered from the wind. All set for the night.

Overnighted at Teahorse hostel in Harpers Ferry.

Overnighted at Teahorse hostel in Harpers Ferry. Decided to make this a short 5 mile day and 6 mile Tuesday instead of 11 today while I build endurance. Rain today and cold (34F) tonight. Another starting hiker is spending another night at the hostel, which is tempting.

15 April 2018

Harpers Ferry, WV! Arrived on the Amtrak Capital Limited, which continues on to Chicago.

Finished up the last minute essentials at work today, got my hair cut short for three months hiking the...

Finished up the last minute essentials at work today, got my hair cut short for three months hiking the #AppalachianTrail, then found a US District Court Juror Questionnaire in the mail when I got home. I completed the questionnaire online, but only if/when I get a jury duty summons can I request a deferral while I hike.

Now begins the final push to prepare. Tonight I'm sorting out and bagging what re-supply items to put in my "bounce box" to ship ahead on Saturday. Still need to pre-print shipping labels for the entire hike to go in the box. Saturday and Sunday will be very busy.

And since I may not have time Saturday, I am posting my motivational lists as directed by Zach Davis in his book "Appalachian Trials: A psychological and emotional guide to successfully thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail."

I am thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail because:
I want to develop confidence in my outdoor skills
I want to be more self-reliant
I enjoy hiking and exploring the natural environment
I want to visit locations that I've only read about
I want to remain physically active and healthy in retirement
I want to demonstrate perseverance to myself and achieve something few complete
I want to be a more interesting person
It is a stepping stone to hiking the Pacific Crest Trail next year

When I successfully thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, I will:
Be more confident in my abilities to complete a difficult goal
Better appreciate the conveniences of clean running water, hot showers and a soft bed
Be better prepared for future long-distance hikes
Be in better physical condition
Have a common bond with other long-distance hikers

If I give up on the Appalachian Trail, I will:
Lack self-confidence to achieve future goals
Be embarrassed to admit failure to my friends, family and colleagues

Glover Archbold Park in northwest DC.

Glover Archbold Park in northwest DC.

Battery Kemble Park in northwest DC, off Chain Bridge Road.

Battery Kemble Park in northwest DC, off Chain Bridge Road.

Taxes filed last Thursday night, so my focus is back on preparing for my #AppalachianTrail thru-hike.

Taxes filed last Thursday night, so my focus is back on preparing for my #AppalachianTrail thru-hike. While I was considering local trails to hike over the weekend, I read the linked story. It was a beautiful day Sunday, so I hiked out and back the length of Battery Kemble Park (a Civil War defense site), the Wesley Heights connector trail, and the length of Glover Archbold Park in DC for a total of 10.5 miles, and got some nice photos of the old streetcar trestle near Georgetown University.
https://wtop.com/dc/2018/04/abandoned-dc-streetcar-bridge-demolished/

If you are interested in the #AppalachianTrail and can make the trip, I recommend attending the Flip Flop Festival,...

If you are interested in the #AppalachianTrail and can make the trip, I recommend attending the Flip Flop Festival, 28-29 April 2018 in Harpers Ferry (http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/community/events/2018/04/28/default/4th-annual-flip-flop-festival). I attended in 2017 and really enjoyed the experience, picking up some tips to get me ready for my hike this year. Unfortunately, my hike schedule won't allow me to attend this year.
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/community/events/2018/04/28/default/4th-annual-flip-flop-festival

Thanks to those who are following me as i prepare for my flip-flop thru-hike of the #AppalachianTrail!

Thanks to those who are following me as i prepare for my flip-flop thru-hike of the #AppalachianTrail! Your interest will keep me posting.

Last Saturday, I took advantage of the nice weather here to spray my hiking pants, shirts, Buff (headcover), socks and shoes with Permethrin, a long-lasting insecticide that binds with clothing fibers to kill and repel ticks, mosquitoes, lice and other pests that come in contact.

I also printed a condensed (2 pages per side, double sided) copy of AWOL's Guide from the PDF file I purchased earlier (see https://www.theatguide.com/) - I keep the PDF on my phone as backup, but will carry the pages I need for reference and ship the rest forward to myself with other supplies in a "bounce box."

My mom also gave me two birthday presents that I asked for, rubber tip covers for my hiking poles to protect trail surfaces and accessories for my CamelBack hydration pack (3L water container with hose).

Making progress!