Date: 2006-06-18
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To: Deer Lick Shelter, PA - 7th State 
Miles today: 14.5

Yesterday on the way to Ensign Cowall Shelter, Bama reported more Trail Magic. As she and Little Wing crossed over one the roadways, there was a house near the trail and a lovely couple were giving out cookies and snack crackers. Bama¢s wished she¢d taken down their name, but thanks y¢all!A short time after they¢d settled into the shelter with Kilgore Trout, his cousin David and his son, Jackson, Mapman & Robin showed up with their friend, who has been given the trail name, Headstand. Also Banjoman, Indiana, Brainfreeze and Wild Bill came in. And in a little while, two different troops of Boy Scouts poured in ¢ Bama said about 35-40 of them ¢ one troop older and one younger and one troop NOBO and one SOBO.As evening set in, there was much activity and a big marshmallow roast at the shelter and David¢s son, Jackson, fixed Bama several real nice ones. Bama gave him the trail name of ¢Tracker,¢ which he liked. Banjoman pulled out his backpack guitar (which he¢s carrying now instead of the banjo) for the evening¢s entertainment, but first was the warm-up act as Headstand did her thing ¢ a perfect 10 headstand! This morning was like most, up early, coffee and a quick breakfast (usually oatmeal and fruit) and on the trail. Hot and steamy this morning. Bama called from the Pen-Mar Park and picnic area about 10:30 am. She decided to rest and cool off with a drink from the concession. This is a popular Sunday gathering place for locals and there¢s a pavilion for sunset watching.The concession wasn¢t open yet, but they got some Trail Magic from a very nice older gentleman named Clayton Bogart, whom Bama judged to be in his late 70¢s. He gave them drinks and explained that his wife of 53 years had passed away recently, but since this was their favorite Sunday outing, he still comes here. He lives about three or four miles away.Long story short, Bama and Little Wing; Banjoman; Indiana; Brainfreeze; Mapman, Robin and Headstand; Kilgore Trout and Wild Bill ended up staying until 4:00 pm, entertaining and being entertained by Clayton. He insisted on paying for everyone¢s snacks, food and drinks. Bama said she hadn¢t had so such fun on the trail. She had drinks, cheeseburger and fries, ice cream, lemonade and a snow-cone. Clayton kept reaching in his pocket and buying rounds of what any of the thru-hikers wanted. Now that¢s Trail Magic! And Clayton was having as much, if not more, fun as the others.Bama said there were maybe 300-400 folks that had come to picnic and do their Father¢s Day thing at the park. She said the overwhelming majority of the people were in their 70s or above and had been doing this regularly ¢ just like Clayton ¢ for years. An oldies band cranked up about 2:00 pm and Banjoman was invited to sit in and play and sing on a number. What a party!By 4:00 pm, everybody was worn out and Clayton said he needed to get back to have his dinner. The backpackers pulled themselves together from the party and sweated on to the Deer Lick Shelter, about five miles up the trail. Only 2/10th of a mile from the park, Bama crossed the Mason-Dixon line at the Maryland-Pennsylvania border. One more state behind her!Something unique so far. Bama said there are two Deer Lick Shelters ¢ one for women and one for men ¢ this is a first. Some of the group also decided to tent. Tonight will probably be early to bed. Another wonderful day on the trail.Bill