Date: 2017-07-05
From: Unnamed Campsite at Mile 1113.5

To: US 11, Carlisle, PA
Miles today: 16.1

7/5Unnamed Campsite at Mile 1113.5 to US 11, Carlisle, PA16.1 miles Total miles:  1129.6Note:  I have now uploaded the photos for Waynesboro to Carlisle.I slept well and was ready for the trail by 7:30.  The beginning of today's hike was a rather steep and rocky ascent culminating in the Rock Maze, a fun and challenging trek through two large boulder fields on top of a ridge a few miles prior to entering the Cumberland Valley.  While not overly difficult, the mazes provide a fun change of pace as you are required to follow arrows and blazes over large boulders and through narrow crevices to work your way to the other side.  It almost had the feel of an amusement park attraction and was a lot of fun. In one portion of the maze, the person responsible for marking the trail thoughtfully pointed southbounders in the direction of Georgia by adding "GA" under a southbound arrow. Unfortunately, the "ME" sign for us Nobos was faded almost to the point of indecipherability.  We'll get little help from the Rock Mazes to find our way to Katahdin. The Rock Mazes were an enjoyable diversion from normal trail hiking and provided a sense of accomplishment without actually being all that difficult.  They are a great piece of trail design and a lot of fun.  The trail remained hilly for as few more miles until reaching the summit of Center Point Knob, where the third, and last, halfway marker for the AT is located. Placed just prior to entering the Cumberland Valley, the midway point of the original trail is commemorated by a bronze plaque attached to a stone.  The AT has a long and storied past, which is reflected in this plaque located high on a hill.  The trail then descends into the Cumberland Valley and, for perhaps the first time, there were no mountains to climb. It is an odd experience to know that a road is a half mile away and to actually be able to see the road. I love it when the AT comes up with something new. The trail in the valley is flat or follows mildly undulating hills, running past farmlands of corn and soybeans.  There is a quiet beauty to these pastoral scenes, and I fear they will be forgotten when the foot-weary hiker encounters the infamous Pennsylvania Rock Fields.  I was able to watch two fawns cavorting playfully across a field, obviously lost to any concern other than the joy of playing in the sun.  I witnessed a farmer in a large John Deere go about his business and looked over vast fields of crops.  The hiking was easy and relatively fast, as there were few grades to confront and relatively few rocks.  Interestingly, my legs and knees were much more sore this evening than usual.  I wonder if I was using my muscles and joints in subtlety different ways today, and my body is telling me about it.  About a mile and a half into the valley, the AT runs directly through the town of Boiling Springs.  I really like it when the AT goes through towns.  The trail follows the bank of a beautiful lake before heading out of town on First Street and then back into the woods.  There is an AT regional office right off the trail where I stopped in to say hi and to get water.  There is also a well-equipped outfitters where I purchased new water bags for my Sawyer filtration system.  We were informed by a sign on the Boiling Springs Tavern that hikers were not welcome: "Proper attire required."  We figured four-day-old, nasty, wet hiking garb might not be considered proper attire. Instead, we dined at the Caffe 101, where we could eat outside.  I had a chicken cheese steak sandwich, chips, and a pickle, washed down with their signature lemonade tea and a Gatorade.  It was delicious, and we were made to feel very welcome indeed.  I met Wild Card there and heard some bad news.  As you may recall, Wild Card was one of the four hikers who completed a forty mile slackpack into Damascus some time back.  He told me he badly sprained his ankle hiking into Harpers Ferry, and it was not healing.  He was headed home to Connecticut today to rest it in hope that he may be able to return to the trail. It is a somber thought that one single misstep has the potential to end your journey. I wish him a fast recovery and hope he can get back on the trail soon.  Today's original plan was to stay and resupply in Boiling Springs, but the weather was cool, the sky was overcast, the trail was good, and the town of Carlisle was only eight miles away.  We made the distance in good time and climbed down a side trail onto US Highway 11.  We headed west for the half mile walk to the Days Inn.  They offer a hiker rate, and Gravity and I wanted a shower and clean clothes.  The hotel is on the opposite side of a very busy highway, so we walked down to cross at the light.  Instead of pedestrian crossing lights, we found signs expressly prohibiting walking across the highway.  I find it odd that a hotel would have a hiker rate, but a town would forbid someone from walking to the hotel. Being rule followers, Gravity and I waited for the highway to get a red light and for the left turners to do their thing. We then ran across the highway. The sign said nothing about running.  We checked in, took showers, and got ready to do laundry.  After laundry was started, I noticed a large, unsightly stain on the carpet.  I then realized the carpet was wet from where my sweat infused clothing had been piled.  Hopefully, it will fade by morning. Wearing clean clothes, we went next door to the Middlesex Diner for dinner. I had manicotti with meatballs, a house salad, macaroni salad, garlic bread, cottage cheese with apple butter, and homemade tapioca with whipped cream for dessert. It appears my hiker hunger is alive and well. I'll feed the beast again at the continental breakfast in the morning before we hike out to continue through the Cumberland Valley, headed inevitably closer to "Rocksylvania."