Date: 2012-06-23
From: Swatara Gap at Hwy 72

To: PA 501
Miles today: 11.2

SOS here:Trail Mama and Meredith dropped us off at 8:15 AM. It was cooler today than yesterday. Popcorn would hike nearly 40 miles in three days. We would see more hikers today than the other two days we hiked. Popcorn enjoyed hiking the Appalachian Trail. He fretted over his encounter yesterday with another hiker who appeared to be struggling with a bad day. He was not happy with himself because he did ask him if he was or not. Popcorn, by feeling this way, demonstrated the heart of a true backpacker who is always concerned about the welfare of his fellow hiker. He also reflected the regrets every hiker feels when he feels like he could have done something different in an encounter with a fellow hiker and the moment to act is lost forever. I am hoping I will get better at this also and knowing Popcorn's heart I know he would not fail to react with his gut instinct next time. Trail Mama here: After dropping off the guys, Meredith and I (with her driving her car) started on the 3 hour+ drive to her sister's house back in MD. We were on interstate most of the time and only made 7 miles in one hour at one stretch where they were doing some road work. We were wishing for several things to happen...a library, a roadside fruit stand, and an estate sale (NOT a garage sale). Well God took care of all 3 of our wishes. When we got on smaller roads, we first came to a library (not wonderful but it did have a book sale!) I bought 2 books and 4 magazines for 90 cents... now that is a tremendous bargain! On down the road, we saw a "Estate sale today" sign!! I don't remember ever seeing one before...we had asked people and looked in the paper and online and found nothing and here it was right on our road!! There were many, many wonderful antiques to be had for very reasonable prices but of course, we had limited space. Meredith bought a mirror for her sister, a small stand for herself and I found the find of the day, week, month, year!! They had a pair of old carders (for straightening out fibers when you are preparing wool for spinning). They sold them to me for 10 dollars...used ones are usually 5 times that much so I was one happy camper! They have been heavily used and have lots of "character" which I LOVE! When I get to use them, I will think of the other hands that have used them over the years and smile and be thankful. Next to appear was the perfect fruit/vegetable stand. Perfect because it was a young man with a truck parked off the road with a limited inventory but everything we wanted and we felt good helping someone make a living. We bought peaches, sweet corn, zucchini, yellow squash and were very pleased with our purchases. On to Kevin and Debbie's house (Meredith's sister and husband) They have a beautiful lot in the woods by a lake. It is on several levels so has interesting decks and walkways. Kevin appeared on the deck and welcomed us with a bagpipe serenade! (see picture in photos) How special was that!!!! I can answer that...VERY! Debbie has just retired from being the librarian at Culver Military Academy. She is very much like her sister...artistic and fusses over guests. Her attention to detail with our meals made us feel very welcome indeed! We had lots of good food, good conversation and then retired to our room for a great nights sleep. Road Name of the Day: SIX GUN CIRCLE This is the street that Kevin/Debbie live on so it seemed like an obvious choice. All the streets nearby have cowboy names and since I love cowboys this is it!