Date: 2008-07-01
From: Duncannon, PA (Doyle Hotel)

To: Fogelsville, PA
Miles today: 7.0

Still in PA, slowly but steadily making my way. A very short day today, but I was lucky enough to get a ride out of the general trail town area. I am living up the lap of luxury at a really nice hotel. Next door is a Chinese place, as well as a Cracker Barrel.. Yes, I really have died and gone to heaven. I decided to take a break in large part to put a bit of distance between myself and a fellow hiker. I have always said that I have pretty good instincts and that I needed to follow them. Also that I should not let anyone else dampen my hike... SO today I decided a short day and a lovely night off the trail would be best. Nothing bad has happened (no need to worry); I just am choosing to get some space and thus am able to enjoy myself more out here. After all that is what it is about isn¢t it? SO Mr. Bones, Stubbs, Whisper and myself met a really awesome group of section Hikers while in Pine Grove Furnace State Park a few weeks ago. One, (Greg) gave us his number and told us to give him a ride when we got further north. SO he came and picked us all up today and whisked us to this lovely place. A huge thanks to him for doing good research and shuttling us stinky hikers around. SO really the afternoon of my day has been spent eating a huge meal at Cracker Barrel woo woo! and laundry. The rest has been a good break for my sore knees. I'll be back out on the trail tomorrow and poof, out of PA by the 4th of JULY!! (Hopefully)   So far Northern PA has been beautiful. All you hear up and down the trail is how "Rocky" PA is; it actually had me a bit nervous in the beginning. Although there are several sections filled with rocks ranging in size of pebbles to HUGE boulders. I have found it really nice. It isn¢t all bad. It is actually a fun change of pace. I still am loving the trail that is for sure, and every step closer to MAiNE is AWESOME!!! I also recently ran into a couple that I hiked with way back in GA. I was glad to see them both on the trail and enjoying themselves. We talked about how many of the original crew is left. Sadly not many. It's odd to think that after 3 months (nearly 4) only 5 of us remain (that we know of.) It is crazy to think what different sorts of things drive us and made our hikes different. I do know one thing, I am going to get to Maine and I am going to get my picture taken up there on that big old rock. Some wise dude once told me the trail is really three parts. 1st part is physical, the second is mental, and the third is spiritual. I would have to agree. Although sometimes the mental creeps back in with the spiritual, I would have to say I am one mean Hiking Machine (you should see my calves, haha.) Other than all that nonsense Life has been good, I was blessed with some great trail magic in Port Clinton, I was able to walk into a huge Cabelas, and get my people fix. And finished up my trip to PC with a fun gathering of amazing people at the Pavilion there where we camped for the night. All and all life has been good on the trail. I am still plugging away, and making amazing memories and friends along the trail.    Keep on Keeping on... Sun BEAM