Date: 2016-05-16
From: Cove Mountain Shelter, Duncannon, PA

To: Clark Ferry Shelter, Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 8.3

Day 268.3 miles with a 3 hour break in Duncannon, PACove Mountain Shelter (1142.9) to Clark Ferry Shelter, 4.3 miles north of Duncannon, PA (1151.2) Weather: Rain showers a.m., drizzly, showers p.m.¢mostly unpleasantLunch at the Doyle (Clam chowder, a burger and beer)Dinner: Mushroom tomato pastaWildlife: Nothing notable noticed from under the umbrella and constant attention to slippery rocks during the day, porcupine noises at nightHikers: Many NOBOs and two flipfloppers, weekenders and a dad with his lost sonThe porcupine was certainly active last night but not within the shelter. We heard snuffles, scratches and the occasional unidentifiable bang. Dark Water saw it at dawn, but I missed it choosing instead to keep the bag drawn over my head to conserve heat. It got cold last night and the rain started. The other three were up and on their way while the rain was pouring down, but I stayed inside finishing up yesterday's post. I was either going to stay at the Doyle or push on another 4.3 miles. By the time I left, the rain had subsided. The mostly unrocky trail continued downhill to the village of Duncannon where lunch accompanied by a Yuengling was to be found. Met up with a freshly showered Dark Water who is staying there overnight. The next three days are going to be interesting. The shelters are either placed really close together or are spaced out over 15 miles. I wanted to push on to make some of that distance more manageable. Rain is predicted for tomorrow, which means another character building opportunity. Today¢s last two miles made no mention of rocks, but there were plenty to clamber over. And nary a mention of those in the guidebook. I took my time as the rain started up again. I also stopped to exchange phone numbers with a local dad whose 10-year-old son who had taken off in pursuit of another hiker and ended up being the last one to arrive at the small shelter. There are several other people tent camping including Loony and Slug. And the dad found his son soon after we departed ways.I¢m building plenty of character tonight hunkered down in a cold, damp shelter with three other younger women and one dog while listening to a dull thuds, bangs and shooting going off at a nearby military base. Or so that¢s what we've been told. Maybe I should have built my character staying at the Doyle after all. Musings: There are far more men on the trail than women, and the percentage of 20-somethings appears to be higher than 50-somethings plus¢the two main age demographics of folks who generally have the time to carve six months out of their lives for hiking. But there is a double standard placed upon the women. Whereas the men are encouraged to have fun, women are implored to be safe. Tonight I learned about pink blazing*¢men who pursue or attach themselves to solo female hikers. It's not necessarily stalking, but it can be unwanted and unwarranted chivalrous behavior targeted at women, especially the younger ones. One of tonight's shelter companions was purposely slowing down her hike in order to avoid a young man who, among other things, offered to carry items in her pack for her, take care of her dog and book a hotel room for her in town. It¢s one thing to avoid amorous overtures in the city, quite another when you are all traveling in the same direction and camping at the same shelters. The women I¢ve met thus far are extremely strong and confident. Another shelter companion (Hana Solo) hiked 35 miles two days ago. She certainly doesn't need anyone carrying gear for her. I find it sad that attitudes haven't changed all that much in the years since I first set foot in the Appalachian Trail all those spring breaks ago. I still find myself a minority within a male-dominated activity. *There are many types of ¢blazing.¢ The AT is marked by white blazes and purists will only follow these blazes representing the official route. Blue blazes are side trails that usually lead to water sources or a shelter, but sometimes might cut off a short section of the AT trail. A purist would go back to the point at which the the was departed after using a blue blaze trail. Yellow blazing is when a hiker might avoid a section and/or jump ahead by being shuttled to a different point by road without hiking to it. Aqua blazing is canoeing a section in lieu of hiking¢Shenandoah National Park is sometime circumvented in this manner. Pink blazing is just plain sexist.