Date: 2012-06-25
From: Hwy 501

To: Hwy 183
Miles today: 9.3

We woke up early in the tent and started our day. We drove back to the start stop but it was pouring down rain with thunder and lightning so decided to wait for it to clear which it would do in late morning according to the weatherman. So we drove to a nearby Cracker Barrel (first one we have seen in a long time) and ate a leisurely breakfast. The sun came out while we were there so we went back to the start spot and SOS hiked off into the woods. I was determined NOT to drive back on the interstate so decided to try and "trick" Edith Chloe (our GPS) into directing me onto another road. She was very unhappy about this decision and I was surprised at how many places it was possible to get on I-78. Every mile or so she would say, " turn right in one half mile onto I-78" and I would just keep driving straight...she finally gave up with 12 miles to go. I stopped at an antique shop where the building itself turned out to be more interesting to me than the antiques. It was very old with dual stairways leading upstairs. Another stop was made in a small town at the local hardware store. I was looking for sand to put in the pin cushion that I made all by hand. After the man got over his confusion as to what I wanted and why, he said he only sold sand in 60 pound bags...a little much for me since I only needed a cup or so. He told me about a landscaping business that I would pass on my way back to the campground. I found it and repeated my request for a little sand. They had lots and sold me a cup full for a dollar. It was wet from the rain storm so I put it out to dry when I returned to the camp site. Another stop was made in Hamburg at the "everything" store...the old time version of K-Mart/WalMart. I found several wonderful surprises for Grandma camp...on sale, of course:-)The final stop was made at the grocery for dinner items. We will use our new tiny grill tonight for the first time. Back at the campsite, I was all alone...no one in sight or sound of our campsite. I got out my folding chair and book and settled in to read in peace and quiet...aahhh! Then it was time to go pick up SOS. When I tried to repeat the trip back by not driving on the interstate...it didn't work and all of a sudden I found myself with no choice but to get on with all the traffic and trucks..I survived, of course, but I like this less and less...give me those 3's anyday and keep the 6's (my road rating system). Would you believe no libraries today? Tomorrow will have to be the day to find libraries now that I am a little familiar with the area and we will be camping in the same spot for 3 days! When SOS came walking up to the car he said, "guess who found me in the woods?" and there was Connect 4! We hadn't seen her in a long time and thought she was way ahead of us...but she had zeroed for 11 days for a wedding and visits with friends and family so there she was. She was obsessing about pizza so of course we took her to get some after calling ahead to order. It was ready when we got there. We drove her back to her spot and left her sitting on a rock happily eating pepperoni pizza and treats from Trail Mama. We headed back to the campground and cooked our dinner on our picnic table. We had grilled pork chops, grilled zucchini, pea salad (one of SOS' favorites made with a can of peas, packets of mayo Meredith got me at a deli, pickle relish, and boiled eggs from the deli today), and as a treat for SOS...another of his favorites....red beet eggs! After dinner we showered and came to McDonald's where we are using the WIFI. The campground is supposed to have it but it isn't working..:-) so here we are one more time. We need to head back now to snuggle into our sleeping bags and get some sleep.Road Name of the Day: OIL TECH TALK ROAD...yes, you read that right..now try to say it 5 times fast!! I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it the first time but then I saw it again after I picked up SOS and he saw it too! Some one asked me if I make these up but believe me I don't...I couldn't think up such strange names!!!!!!!!!!!SOS here:It is starting to seem like a long time. It seems longer when you look up and no friend is behind you or in front of you while you hike. In Pennsylvania, every mile seems like the previous mile you just hiked. I have found myself more unsure of myself in Pennsylvania when I get distracted. Today I ask a person hiking the opposite way where he was trying to get to today. He answered 503 which told me I was heading in the right direction because I left 503 heading for 183. I missed Popcorn behind me today and God sent me a surprise with about two miles to go when I looked back and saw Connect 4's smiling face. I needed the boost and was happy to have her behind me. I know she will not be behind me very long because she is a good hiker.I will look on the bright side and thank God that I can hike. Time to go to bed - Keep praying for Trail Mama and me. Thanks!