Date: 2014-06-10
From: Harpers Ferry, WV.

To: Waynesboro, PA.
Miles today: 40.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Dropping in for another multi-day update. After leaving Baltimore and returning to Harpers Ferry, we ( me, Tuna, and Meticulous, who met us in HF) hit the trail, with plans for a 10 mile day. It didn't quite happen like that, and when we reached the first shelter, we called it a day. Maybe 5 miles done. I suppose in our defense, it was hotter than Hell out, and as an added bonus, I think we hiked through a micro-burst towards the end of the day. Maybe a bit dramatic, though we did get very strong winds, buckets of rain, and we were literally dodging falling tree branches as we hiked up the trail. Did I mention how rocky the trail has become? It was only 5 miles, but they were 5 the hard way.The next day, we put in 14, and it was a touch easier. We're only dealing with 40 miles in Maryland, and they can conceivably be done in 24 hours (i.e., the "Tri-State Challenge). Tuna was set to do the Tri-State Challenge (WV, MD to PA in 24 hours) and I think he could've done it. Problem is, his feet are wrecked. Which, appears to be a normal condition passing into PA. Hiking here involves crossing miles and miles of rock fields, with the occasional half-mile of boldering here and there. It's not bad, really. In fact, it breaks up the monotony of hiking up and down mountains all day. But, it IS hard on the feet and ankles. I needed to stop in Smithsburg, MD., for a light, 3 day resupply, and I'd considered pushing past the 14 and heading the mere 1.5 into Smithsburg. My feet disagreed by the time I reached HWY 17, and they elected to do an easy 0.2 into camp. The heat wasn't so bad today, but we did get another bit of rain. That makes 5 days in a row of rain. The weather's always passed fairly quickly, so it could be a lot worse. And the rain keeps the bugs away, so I can't bitch much. I'd be totally cool with dry feet though. The next morning, I was off and up out at 8am, bound for Smithsburg. I'd heard it was an easy hitch in, but at 8 in the morning on a Saturday, there wasn't ANY traffic. I walked the 1.5 into town, and was chatted up by a few friendly locals, who strongly urged me to have breakfast at Dixie Diner before I leave town. "Mayyybeeee a half mile over the railroad tracks." So yeah. I ate there. It seems the entire town of Smithsburg, MD had the same idea, 'cause the place was packed. I was lucky to get a prime seat at the counter, right next to an undersized gas griddle where two older ladies where beating some ass on getting food cooked. Occasionally, they'd get into quiet little squabbles with each other, or the wait staff, and one would turn and roll her eyes at me. This went on for about an hour. And yep. That breakfast was kick ass. Resupply done, I tried to get a hitch out of Smithsburg, without success. So while I only did 11 trail miles today, I figure I put in around 16. Ninety and sunny today too! On my way to what I figured would be today's destination, there was a cool view at White Rock, where on a clear day you could see for miles. Might even be able to see Camp David in the far distance. Anyway, it was super sunny all day, until I got to White Rock, where it started to rain. Incredible! The past day, we ran into this youth outreach group of about 12 teenaged boys, probably 15-17. Very chatty guys, and when they learned my trail name, they'd say, "Hooooch!" in unison when they'd see me on the trail. It cracked me up. So, I ran into these guys at White Rock, and while we were waiting out the rain, they start asking A LOT of questions about my hike. One asked, "how much does your pack weigh?" I said, "pick it up." They all took turns picking my pack up, greatly impressed by how light it was (I'm probably rolling 25 pounds with 3 days food and water). I test-lifted a few of their packs, while they debated whose pack was heavier. One kids' pack was easily 70 pounds. There's not a lot of elevation change in Maryland, but it's a rocky mess of trail. I'll give that kid credit; I'd last about two minutes carrying his pack.I'm glad I waited out the rain, because there was a nasty bit of boldering directly ahead. There were one or two dicey hops, complicated by a greasy sheen on every rock I saw. I sort of thought it was fun (for a while) though this went on for a good length. Pissing my feet off greatly. I was a mile or so away from where I was going to call it a day when I reached Pen-Mar Park. Less than a mile from the Pennsylvania border. Cool park, with lots of amenities when it's all up and rolling. Most of the stuff was closed today, and no pop machine as advertised in the trail guide. I asked the caretaker, and it's not a short story about the vending machines. He did point out that several places delivered to the park, and I briefly considered stealth camping there. With a big pile of food. I spied a place coming in, where I knew I'd never be seen. Yeah. No camping allowed in Pen-Mar. Ultimately, I told him I thought I'd catch a ride into town and stay in a hotel. I wanted a shower and clean clothes (I got 75% of that wish), and Larry--the caretaker--told me the place I was thinking about camping (the legit spot) was 3.5 miles away. No way it was happening. Anyway, Larry made a phone call to Dennis, who "would be there in 10 minutes," and give me a ride into town for $20. It worked out well. Dennis is an older guy, and sort of had an "I don't give a shit" attitude. He drove me all over town while I ran into this store and that store getting things like ice-cream and gatorades. He'd go inside whatever store, buy a stack of Scratchers tickets, and wait for me to finish whatever errand at hand. And was a cool dude while doing it. When I get around to uploading my pictures, I'll explain the 75% of my wish part of the story. Tomorrow I'm off to start Pennsylvania (seriously, I'm not zeroing here). I don't have any plans to skip it--at least not yet. We'll see how it works out...Holla out to SuperFeet and Barnacles. Barnacles, I'm ruined on Ramen forever. Thank you (and your friend) for showing me The Light of true Ramen goodness. Miss you guys.