Date: 2016-06-07
From: mile marker 1125.1

To: Duncannon, Pa
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is day 75, Tuesday. I am currently at mile marker 1146.6 (Duncannon, Pa). I covered 21.4 miles today. This morning Keri brought Spongebob and myself to a local cafe before we left Boiling Springs. We said our goodbyes and thanked Keri for her company and help over the past few days. She rocks!!We started hiking at 7:30 and the first 13 miles were so nice. We passed through more farm land and open fields. Spongebob and I decided we like this type of hiking so much because we are both... Country folks! He is actually from PA! I was loving PA until noonish!!! And then the beginning of the rocks started. Yikes! And, as I am told, the beginning is actually pretty calm compared to the next 160 miles. The weather was also a bit odd... Lots of wind and then .... Boom... It started raining!! We were at the top of the mountain and needed to descend to our stopping location. That was quite tricky. And ... Dang it, heck, darn, son of a gun... My knee started acting up again. Hurting with each step. I made it down ... Only to realize that Spongebob, who was ahead of me, was not off the mountain. I called and he indicated that he and another hiker had missed the trail and were trying to find the correct trail. So, I gave him some tips on where the trail turned and told him I would meet him in town. I made it to the famous Doyle Hotel ... Really.. The not so famous!! It is an extremely old hotel. Run down to the max!! You get a room for $25. I'll just put it this way:: there is a sheet hanging in my window ( window covering) no AC, the carpet has not been vacuumed in about a year, the bath is down the hall and it is quite scary... Like really scary. But!!!!! It has a bed, running water and it will make for great stories later on. Here is another beautiful story that is currently unfolding. When I lived in Houston I had a wonderful neighbor, Randy W. About 14 years ago he and his partner moved to Mount Joy, PA where they bought and currently run a very very nice bed and breakfast!! Ok... Now guess how far I am from there??? I am only 30 minutes (via car) from there. So, tomorrow Spongebob and I will take a Nero day (anything less then 10 miles). We will walk 2 miles to a parking lot where Randy will pick us up... Take us to his B and B where we will spend the night. He will then return us to the trail on Thursday !!! I have not seen Randy or Jon in about 13 years so I am very excited to visit and catch up with them. How special is that little story. ??Ok back to the Doyle. So there is a restaurant/bar on the first floor and that is where u check in. I asked the bartender about a room and she said ( without cracking a smile) oh, you want the hotel clerk?? Yes, I guess so. Ok, wait a second. She was wearing a cap .. Backwards when I was talking to her.... So after my request for a room and our exchange.. She took off her cap and placed it on her head.. The correct way and said... Ok honey, how many rooms do you need. Too funny. When her cap is on... Backwards she is the bartender.. When on correctly she is the hotel clerk.Even though the rooms are quite interesting and the place is run down.....They serve wonderful meals. I had fried catfish, French fries and a salad ($17)! Then Spongebob and I walked to the local ice cream shop and had some soft serve !! Tomorrow I'll see how my knee feels and make a decision as to hiking on Thursday. I'm going to buy a brace and see if that helps. Fingers crossed!!Even with the knee issue... I had a good day and I feel very blessed. I'm one lucky girl (old lady)!