Date: 2015-06-10
From: Camp near Rattlesnake Spring 

To: Brink Shelter 
Miles today: 11.3

This morning was the most beautiful hike so far in my opinion. The trail meandered around a swamp with wood blanks to help us over the muddy sections. Canopies of flowers were everywhere and the birds were singing especially loud and the bullfrogs were serenading us as we marched through. The sun and trees were reflecting over the massive pond and picture opportunities were unlimited. I love it when the trail changes shape a little and offers different views. I can even forget about the rocks a little bit but. Speaking of rocks, I am a bit perplexed as they have not completely disappeared and are still inflicting pain on my already sore feet. They seem to come in spurts, nice trail for awhile and then as soon as I get more comfortable they reappear. Maybe there is a lager transition between the states than I imagined.Last night I found out from Ginger T that Forest and Neon Mountain have Lyme disease and are being treated with antibiotics. They are very NOBO's who do a lot of miles. Somehow even though I'm much slower I keep seeing some of the same NOBO'S because I catch up when they make town stops. Lyme disease is my biggest fear on the trail, without counting falling off some of these rocks I have been scrambling up and down. It can really mess up your life if not treated early and is nothing to take lightly in my opinion. I am spraying all my gear and clothing with permethrin and have already reapplied a few times. I also do daily tick checks as best as I can. Fortunately I have not found a single tick on me. I find many, many caterpillars on me daily. They are also called gypsy moths and it us sad to see what they are doing to the trees in the the forest. They feast on leaves all day long and poop on the trail and hikers all day long. I thought the first few I saw upon entering Pennsylvania were cute but not anymore. They are squashed all over my body at times and they drop from the trees wherever they like. I find them in my clothes and shoes in the morning if I remember to check first.In an effort to distract ourselves during the day while hiking for 8-12 hours sometimes we come up with silly little games and stories. Little Prince and I came up with a wager to erase all the beers I owe from saying "Pennsylvania" after we made it a forbidden word. My challenge was to do a 2 minute plank. I also get a 20 minute foot massage if I can do a 1 minute plank with my pack on which weighs up to 35 pounds. I have no idea if I can do this but will give it my very best try as I desperately need a foot massage to try and bring some life back into my feet with toes that feel dead. I am told by NOBO'S that this numbness or deadness across the ball of the foot and toes is common among long distance hikers and will eventually go away even though it may take months after one's hike is completed. Such a strange and uncomfortable feeling for me. Yoga does not seem to be correcting this issue but I still have hope.We are staying at Brink's shelter which is a new shelter with a gorgeous view overlooking the forest. The privy us the best so far and I give it a 10 out of 10. Yes, we often rate privies. Very thankful to have them but sometimes I really have to hold my nose and wonder if I should dig a hole instead. My feet were extra sore after stopping today. As usual I placed them up against the shelter wall as soon as I stopped. Bear Biscuit'sawyer water filter fell out of a hole in the side pocket of his pack today. This is a big deal for a hiker as most of us always filters water before drinking. I told him there is such a thing as "trail mail" and maybe someone would find it on the trail and bring it to him. I told him about my lost came shoe. Him and Little Prince went to get water and as soon as they left Dreamer walks in and asks me if anyone lost a water filter. I shouted Trail Mail to Beat Biscuit and he couldn't believe it. The trail provides when you need it most and so do all the hikers you meet along the way. Not to mention trail magic provided by those who have some kind if connection to the trail. I still marvel at how this works so magically and perfectly. One day I intend to pay it forward as an expression of my appreciation.Today is Little Prince's birthday and we celebrated with a delicious but smashed up carrot cake. The frosting had all fallen off and the writing disappeared but it tasted very fresh despite the heat and humidity. I had to duct tape one of the candles back together so it would light. I successfully did the 2 minute plank this afternoon as well. It was harder than I thought it would be with my weary body and I am a little worried about doing it with my pack on. I am motivated by challenges so we shall see.I just talked to my daughter who lives in Connecticut and my Isabelle my 10 month old granddaughter took her first steps today...5 to be exact. It seems just like yesterday that Breanna took her first steps. I plan to take 4-5 days off somewhere in NY where I can take a train to Connecticut for a visit. A great day today and looking forward to seeing my babies soon!