Date: 2017-07-01
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter Tent Site 

To: PA Highway 16/Waynesboro, PA
Miles today: 12.4

7/1Ensign Cowall Shelter Tent Site to PA Highway 16/Waynesboro, PA12.4 milesTotal miles:  1067.2Note:  I have uploaded the photos from Harpers Ferry to Waynesboro, PA.We got up early again this morning, as there were 12.4 miles to cover to get to the road to Wayneaboro, and we wanted to get there as early as possible.  The heat continues to be an issue for everyone as well, so we also wanted to cover as much ground as possible before the heat of the day.  We were on trail a little after 7:00, but it would ultimately take us nearly ten hours to cover those 12.4 miles. The trail was moderately difficult as we approached Warner Gap Road and became quite rugged and steep toward Raven Rock.  It was here that I met a group of young women hiking along the trail. They were Girl Scouts from a local camp who were in the second day of a five day backpacking adventure. We had a great talk about hiking and the importance of encouraging young women to get outdoors and have adventures.  I told the young women about all of the women thru hikers I have met and about my daughter who will be hiking with me in Vermont.  Kudos to these scouts and to their leaders, Ricola and Trippz, for looking for new adventures and proving that Girl Scouting can incorporate great outdoor experiences.  I continued on toward our next destination, High Rock.  Along the way, I saw a tree that should be called Woodpecker Cafe.  Painted with a white blaze, it was riddled with a string of deep holes where woodpeckers have dined.  It made for a great picture.  High Rock was interesting. Located right beside a paved road and parking lot, High Rock is easily accessible. Perhaps as a result of this, it is completely covered in very colorful graffiti. I'm sure this is controversial, but I kind of liked the explosion of color. I had expected to see single markings and perhaps vulgar words, but instead found a riot of incomprehensible color. The view was absolutely spectacular.  The hike from High Rock to Pen Mar County Park was an extremely steep and rocky descent, and the heat of the day was beginning to take its toll. I arrived at the park, filled my water bottles in a drinking fountain, and ate my lunch. Gravity and Ralph soon joined me.  There is a pavilion in the park that boasts a beautiful view and I took a photo from there. Storm clouds started to quickly gather, and we all headed back to this pavilion. Within minutes, the area was engulfed in a very strong thunderstorm. Safe under the pavilion, I actually took a brief nap. It only lasted about fifteen minutes, and the sun was back out. I took a photo from the pavilion during the storm and another immediately afterwards, and the difference is striking. After the storm, the heat and humidity returned with a vengence. Just after the park, I passed another major milestone as I passed from South to North, from the Apa-Latch-ain to Apa-Lay-tian Trail, as I crossed the Mason-Dixon Line from Maryland to Pennsylvania.  I am now in my seventh state. There is a sign and a nice monument. I set some of Beau free at the state line before continuing northward to Highway 16.  The initial trail in the Keystone State contined today's theme of rough and rocky. We finally reached the highway around 5:00 and decided to try our luck hitching into town. Our thumbs were in the air less than three minutes when Sockfat (a 2014 thru hiker) and Harshini stopped in their Honda Element. In a few minutes, we were all three tucked into the back of the vehicle along with our packs, trekking poles, and a bicycle.  It was admittedly cozy, but we all fit.  We all posed for a photo outside the hotel.  Sockfat said he was simply returning some of the kindness he received during his journey.  Thanks again for the lift! After checking into the hotel and showering, Gravity, Ralph, and I walked to the Monterey Pass Pub and Eatery for dinner.  I had the General William Tecumseh Sherman Brisket Sandwich, which came with a half pound of fries. I also enjoyed a house salad and rounded the meal off with apple pie and ice cream.  The food was delicious and a great way to obtain those necessary carbs.  After dinner, we walked to Wal-Mart for resupply.  We then returned to the hotel to do laundry and sort out the four days of supplies that will get us to our next destination of Boiling Springs.  I was in the laundry room when who should rush in the door but Splat, followed by Momma Splat.  Splat had seen me through the door and went to get her mom.  We were soon joined by Poppa Splat and Dory.  It was a great place for a happy reunion with Momma Splat, and I was able to meet Poppa Splat for the first time.  We parents had a wonderful chat, primarily revolving around what tremendous children we have, and I shared photos of my children and, of course, Baby Rose.  We talked quite a while, and it was almost 11:00 before everyone headed for their rooms.  I still had food to sort and equipment to prepare.  We have a 9:00 shuttle arranged to take Gravity and me back to the trail and Ralph back to his car at Harpers Ferry.  It was a lot of fun sharing the trail with Ralph, and he hopes he can join us again later.  Splat and Dory will be at it again tomorrow as well as we continue to close in on the halfway point.