Date: 2007-07-19
From: US 11, Super 8 Motel

To: Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I got up early after a good nights rest and because I want to get hiking before the heat and humidity kick in for the day. Soaking in the tub last night has helped my leg but today¢s hike will be the test. After a warm up walk on US11 to get back to the trail I am glad to be back in the trees and eventually the return of quiet solitude away from traffic noise. The trail is still relatively flat and I know once I start up Blue Mountain to Darlington shelter that will be where it gets fun. I will carry extra water since Darlington is dry according to all the signs posted saying so. I will tank up at the water source before the climb. The trail follows a 500ft boardwalk built along the river just before crossing the bridge to Scott Farm Trail Work Center. Awesome! It¢s already warm and the humidity is high by the time I get here at 0800. I stop and fill up my water bottle and sign the register. The trail continues along the river for another mile before turning toward the mountain. Wertzville road is the last road crossing before the trail goes up the ridge. I stop at the water source and notice an old rusty car nearby. So far I have not seen anyone this morning. The trail is steep along the side of the ridge until it opens up about half way up where a sitting area made from rocks was made on the trail. It is a beautiful spot for a break and to enjoy the view of the landscape below. Shortly after I stop, Jesse and Adam, who are out for a day hike to the shelter and back stop for a break too. They tell me about the trail ahead and that they hike this section often. I arrive at the shelter for a break and the first thing I see is a post office box on a post near the shelter. This is where the shelter register is kept. I can also see the old privy and the new one too. The new privy is a two-seater but only one is operational at a time. It is also spacious inside. Almost like a mini shelter. I hike on and cross PA850 before starting a long steady climb up to Cove Mountain. I stop for a break at the top and ring out my sweat filled shirt. I also see the rocky trail ahead and cringe. The trail runners I am wearing are great except when on rocky terrain. I curse the rocks but am glad the trail is level along the top of the ridge. I check my water and am down to one liter and will have to stop at Cove Mt shelter for more. The side trail to the shelter is steeper than I care for but I need water. I meet Godfather, who is a south bounder that started in Hanover in April. The water source here is barely a trickle but I am able to get what I need to get to Duncannon. The rocks ease up a bit before I get to Hawk Rock that overlooks Duncannon and the valley below. Awesome views! From here it¢s a steep descent with some rocky areas and a last small hill before the road into town. One of the stops I make is Zeiderilli¢s Pizza about a block from the Doyle Hotel where I plan on staying a couple nights. After a snack I check into the hotel and get a room on the top floor. This place is so cool. I head back down to the bar for dinner and recognize someone I haven¢t seen in months. It¢s Sue from the first part of the hike. She was part of the group of seven hikers and two dogs and is going by the name of Toba now and is short for Manitoba where she is from. What an awesome way to end the day! Hotel: Toba, rosie, mello, me, Diesel and juice, nugs of knowledge, tron, flood dog, calm water, cul-de-sac. Wx: overcast-am, warm/humid-mid 80's