Date: 2004-06-22
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Carlisle, PA - US 11-Appalachian Moter Inn
Miles today: 11.9

The night was not as chilly as before, but the skies do not look too happy. FireMarshall's radio forecasts rain. We need to get into Boiling Spring. The time calculation would get us in town for second breakfast. So, early morning startup. The southbounder had shared that the trail is easy. Little did we know how easy it was until we walked into Boiling Spring a mere hour and half for a near four mile walk. Boiling Springs is a pretty little town. The trial goes through right in front of the post office, which is across the street from the regional ATC office. The handbook states only one restaurant open for breakfast, LakeView. After dropping our packs on the ATC porch, we all four head for the second breakfast we promised ourselves. Bacon, egg, cheese, croissant and brewed coffee. I have an appreciation for brewed coffee that I never had before. Next the post office, the package I wanted to be there is not there. But it's okay. At the Iron Master Hostel's hiker box, someone left a huge bag of fuel tablets. I'm glad I took the time to look over the box. And with all the yoging I did with the guys, my only need at the grocery store is more Benadryl and waterless handcleaner and a box of Pop Tarts. I'm the only one who needs to go to the grocery store, so off I go. One mile without a pack. I can fly! Walking without a pack is such a joy. But I've noticed how when I don¢t have a pack on, I've developed a habit of hunching over. I keep that in mind when I'm packless. Last night, I read in the register that the flat profile for today is truly flat, as in farm land. And when we head out of Boiling Springs, that is exactly what we walk through. From corn field to bean field to road crossing to corn field to wheat field to road crossing to woods to corn field to road crossing to bean field to corn field to road crossing....you get the drift. What struck me the most today, is how I felt as I was crossing the fields, I was high. I knew I have been feeling claustrophobic in the woods, but little did I realize how much I miss the horizon. I even hugged a bale of hay that was next to the trail. The trail went through some woods between the farm fields, and growing in the woods were blackberries getting ripe. I grazed and shared with FireMarshall. He even enjoyed starting to look for the ripe ones. We caught up with Adam as he was eating some berries on the trail. I even found a wild cherry for FireMarshall to try. Crossing over US11 is a pedestrian bridge. As we crossed over, I waved at the people driving under us. Apparently, some folks could see through the chain fence, people tooted their horns and I could see people waving inside their cars. I like that. We left TreeFrog a note and headed for the motel. The Appalachian Motor Inn. It's actually a very nice place with a 24 hour restaurant next door. Just what we need. But first, laundry and a shower. LittleBit and their gang end up at the motel also. There is a small bunch of us here, but each group stays with their own. That's okay. Our group isn't much into drinking beer and staying up all night. Our group ends up at the Middlesex Diner for supper. They serve large portions; I even left some food on the plate. Then again, I've notice with the benadryl; I'm having a hard time staying awake when I stop walking. Adam and TreeFrog want to know if I want to get up later for a second supper. I have to tell them no. I'm headed for Conk City on the Benadryl Train.Namaste'