Date: 2015-06-05
From: eagles nest shelter

To: reservoir road
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday I sat at the trail to Eagles Nest shelter for some time before deciding not to continue into Hamburg. It was disappointing not to make it another nine miles. On the positive side I had the opportunity to meet "Bruiser" a SoBo section hiker at Eagles Nest. We both camped before the shelter. She was spirited entertainment, gave me insight to the trail ahead and was helpful in sharing a bear bag. Bruiser was refreshing company after another wet day. My best wishes to Bruiser on her journey. I broke camp early with thoughts of a night at a hotel in Hamburg. Waiting one more day would allow me to appreciate it that much more. The town is a good resupply although it is a few miles off the AT. The short nine miles to the road into town and then a ~ 2 mile walk in would allow me to have second breakfast, lunch and dinner in town. Also a shower, laundry and a comfortable bed. I hiked with enthusiasm and anticipation. So much so that I lost my footing sliding down a muddy hill. My dirty hands and pants, early mist and overcast skies didn't bother me. I would be dry, clean and well fed. I arrived on schedule for the Hamburg turn off. A quick call to the hotel to confirm a reservation changed everything. All rooms in Hamburg were booked for graduation. I was in disbelief. I had less than a day of food, beyond late for laundry and a shower. It was disappointing and humbling. Since I've been on the AT I've been working to let go of my past habits of over planning and control. I'm practicing to be spontaneous. That practice didn't seem so wise now. The saying among hikers, " the trail will provide" felt shallow. No room. No shower. No laundry. No town food. And a two mile walk to resupply. Two miles back to the trail. I was tired, dirty and frustrated that I wasn't going to get what I wanted. I took a step back and reassessed my options and expectations. I found one at Common Ground B&B. A little off the trail but a good plan B. The B&B was another six miles of hiking. More than I wanted to hike and over budget for a night. However, I decided to try them. Common Ground had room, would pick me up from the trail head and return me. The new plan was to treat myself to two nights. I wanted to be dry.....including my boots....I wanted to be clean.....including my clothes. The trail did provide. I have a comfortable room at a PA farm with kind hosts, Mike and Liddy Sheriden. Mike took me into town to resupply. He was kind enough to make stops for groceries , wine and cash. Bentley their Australian Cattle Dog joined us. Both Mike and Bentley were good company n After returning from town I cleaned up, laundry and settled into a comfortable farmhouse room.Mike and Liddy were kind enough to invite me to First Friday Pot Luck at his neighbors barn. We went to Potluck at Barbara's barn. The Barn was a thoughtfully and artistically restored. It was also Barbara's home. Barbara is an artist and her creative touch was on everything. This was a very special place that welcomed strangers and neighbors to get to know one another. Barbara was kind and an exceptional host. She welcomed me with open arms. A large group of neighbors made me feel welcome as if I lived there. The food prepared by all the attendees was delicious and plentiful. I had the opportunity to meet diverse people and had interesting conversations. Almost everyone of the ~ 20 or so people made a point of welcoming me. I am grateful for their hospitality and to Barbara for her kindness. I'd like to make every First Friday at Barbara's. While that won't be possible I plan on recreating the spirit of her hospitality in my own neighborhood. The trail provided something better than I could have ever expected for a couple of relaxing days. New friends. I'm sticking with spontaneity and trust that the trail will provide.