Date: 2018-05-03
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Pen Mar Park
Miles today: 4.7

By sunset last night at Raven Rock Shelter, we were surrounded by trail friends. Sally Forth has been hiking with The Professor, but that seems over now. This was not a trail romance by any stretch of the imagination, but people often seem to team up just because they can. Whatever it was, it is over now. Sally Forth¢s Trail bud from the Festival, Shiner, asked if she could hike with Willow, Rocky Raccoon and me today. It was only a 4.7 mile hike to Pen Mar Park, 0.2 miles shy of the Pennsylvania border. Rocky and Willow moved ahead at a good clip, causing Willow to fall twice. Hers were good falls, landing on her butt, and not on her face. So no new black eyes today. In our little trail family, sometimes called a ¢tramily,¢ I remain the only unfallen one. I don¢t mind being left out of this exclusive club. Shiner and I lagged behind, and it gave us a chance to get to know each other. Shiner is a master barber from West Georgia and her son is a leading YouTuber, Dallmyd, who is an urban treasure hunter. It¢s all new to me!Pen Mar Park was built by the Western Maryland Railroad as an excursion from Baltimore. It¢s now a county park and has been substantially restored and renovated. There are once again concerts in the park. The park opens this weekend but the restrooms and drinking fountain were available to us. The groundskeepers were extremely friendly and helpful. I phoned Francis for a shuttle to the Cobblestone Hotel in nearby Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, explaining that there were four of us now. Roger and Francis are a retired couple who provide short shuttles to hikers out of love. She reluctantly accepted $10 from us. Meeting people like Francis really reminds us about the essential goodness of our fellow citizens. The Professor showed up and wanted a ride to different hotel, but there simply wasn¢t room in the compact car. Francis offered to return after taking us, but the Professor is unaccustomed to having his will thwarted. Never argue with a gracious lady who is essentially offering rides out of the goodness of her heart! It is not productive. Today was very hot, reaching 90 degrees, and we were very grateful to be in an air conditioned hotel by 11:00. The Cobblestone graciously offered us a 20% hiker discounts and allowed us to check in early. When we first walked in, we all exclaimed, ¢It smells so nice in here!¢ We have forgotten how nice clean smells. It is good! The rooms are immaculate with charging outlets everywhere, strong WiFi, and above all, showers with great water pressure. After washing our clothes in the guest laundry, the four of us walked over to the nearby Appleby¢s. After a delicious side salad with bleu cheese dressing, their signature American hamburger and fries, and an Arnold Palmer (1/2 iced tea and 1/2 lemonade, refilled twice) I am happily sated. Then we walked over to the Super Walmart. I¢ve never been in one before and felt quite overwhelmed. I bought enough food to get to Boiling Springs next Wednesday. I make a list but sitting in the basket and now in my bear canister, it seems like way too much. It won¢t be. Instead of my beloved Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies, I bought a package of Pepperidge Farms Orange Milano cookies! Back in the room, I¢ve stripped the packaging from everything. Now, I¢m ready to complete this most pleasant town visit with a visit to the hotel¢s bar. Say with me, ¢Aaah!¢I forgot to take any photos today, but perhaps one of you could tell me what this wildflower is.