Date: 2012-06-06
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Pine Grove State Park - Iron Masters Hostel
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: light rain

Pine Grove State Park - Iron Masters Hostel - 9.5 miles1/2 way complete; 1/2 Gallon ChallengeSince I am only walking about 10 miles to Pine Grove State Park today, I didn't rush to get up. I waited until someone else started to move, about 7 am. Then I took my time, but I was ready by 7:45. However, since I would like to be with other hikers when I reach the 1/2 way sign, I waited until someone else was ready to walk. I finally left with Dame Quixote about 8:15. We walked together up to the next shelter which is right before the 1/2 way sign. There we stopped for a snack and break, and waited for Sugar Plum. Sugar Plum caught up and after giving her a minute we went on to the 1/2 way sign. There we all took pictures, celebrated, and toasted reaching this point with a small travel size bottle of Jack Daniels Sugar Plum had brought for the occasion. When I started at Springer Mountain, the trail was crowded with hikers. They were everywhere. Remember I said there were about 40 tents in addition to the people in the shelter that first night on the trail. Probably a good 55 people, since some tents had 2 people. Now at the 1/2 way point the shelters are seldom full and most nights there are 3-7 thru hikers. A far cry less than the number who started. Some of that is because the crowd has spread out, but most is because huge numbers of people have dropped out for all kinds of reasons. Injuries, fatigue, and personal reasons. So still being here at the halfway point is a significant accomplishment. Now I just have the 2nd half to go. From there, the 3 of us walked the last 3 miles into Pine Grove State Park together. Pine Grove is the home of the 1/2 Gallon Challenge; to eat a 1/2 gallon of ice cream in one sitting to commemorate completing 1/2 the trail. All Smiles, Wiffle Ball, and Z were already there and had completed the challenge. I went into the store. The old 1/2 gallon size ice cream containers have been downsized to 1.5 quarts, so you need to buy one of those plus another pint to make a half gallon. I just bought the 1.5 quart figuring I would get the additional pint if I finished this first part. I bought chocolate chip and cookie dough. I sat down at the picnic table outside and started eating. 1.5 quarts of ice cream is a lot of ice cream. After 30 minutes, I finished it off, but I was too full to go for another pint. So I stopped short. I still went in and asked for my prize, a wooden spoon with "1/2 Gallon Challenge" printed on it, I got it. Afterwards Z, Sugar Plum, Dame and I went to the AT Museum next door. They have interesting artifacts from several of the earliest thru hikers: Earl Shaffer, the first thru hiker in 1948; Gene Espy, the 2nd thru hiker; Grandma Gatewood, the first woman thru hiker and first person to complete it more than once; and Ed Garvey, the first thru hiker to thoroughly document the distances and locations of places along the trail and father of the current AT Data Book. While there, we learned about the pending AT Hall of Fame Banquet this Friday night in Boiling Springs. We reviewed our schedules and decided we all want to go. We inquired and called about tickets, but could not confirm any. We still think we can get in, so we still plan to go. All 4 of us are spending the night at the Iron Masters Mansion Hostel next door. This was the home of the Iron Master or owner of the Pine Grove Furnace. We checked in at 5:00 - as soon as they allow check ins. Dinner and breakfast were only $5 more, so of course I got it. Dinner was just microwaved Spinach Quiche with cake and ice cream for dessert. Breakfast was Eggo Waffles and bagels plus leftover ice cream cookies. Not the best meals, but good for $5.About 9:30, while sitting there talking with others, there was a rap on the window. It was Wiffle Ball trying to get help. He and All Smiles had found a lost young girl in the woods and walked her back to the hostel. Since we couldn't identify how to get ahold of the Ranger, we called 911. She was talking on the phone to her parents and crying. Shortly, a Ranger arrived and said he would ensure she got home. Great job All Smiles and Wiffle Ball.