Date: 2003-06-04
From: Pine Grove Furnace SP Ironmasters Hostel

To: Boiling Springs PA (Gelinas Manor B&B)
Miles today: 19.4

Day 83 Avg Mls/Day 13.3Weather: Overcast and cool. High temp only in high 50's.Today's Nature: The streams and brooks are gushing over the rocks...some are tricky to cross because they are running high.Slept in a little today, woke up at 6 but went back to sleep until after 7. When I was packed up and getting ready to leave about 8:30, Magnolia asked me to check my socks. You see, we combined our laundry last night to save $3 and I pulled my stuff out of the dryer before I went to bed. We both happened to be wearing the same brand. So, I took off my boots and found I was wearing one of hers. Now, I don't want to hear anything about this...they were hiking socks!Magnolia said she was ready to hike and joined me as we hit the Trail just before 9. Lucky and Cosmo were going to the store next door to do the half gallon challenge. Magnolia and I hiked together all day and chatted on and off. Since we got somewhat of a late start, the morning went fairly fast. Early in the hike we were at a sign marking the halfway point. Even though the Trail changes every year and the class of 2003 has passed its halfway before this marker, we took each other's picture with Magnolia's camera. We knew there was a restaurant near where the Trail crossed Hunters Run Road; Magnolia was hungry and we planned to get there around noon. So, we were on a mission. Got there right at noon and found they did serve great home style food. I had a roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy, cole slaw and a bowl of ham/lima bean soup. Coconut cream pie for dessert. Good food!Back on the Trail we wanted to get to Boiling Springs by 6:30. We met one SOBO section hioker, Growling Dog. A nice young man who had been hiking for the last month. He wasn't feeling too great as he had fallen on the wet rocks yesterday. Magnolia gave him some Advil she was packing. We got to those rocky peaks late in the day and it was kind of piontless as to why the Trail was routed back and forth over them. Also, there wern't any views. They were dry when we crossed them with few problems.The last couple of miles were an interesting "first." It was a walk down the middle of a flat corn field. There's this 10 foot swath of grass with a foot path down the middle. On each side of the path is cultivated ground. Over to southeast you could see (and smell) a large building housing chickens.We got to Boiling Springs about 6:15. Magnolia went to eat and I went to find a bed & breakfast. There are no hostels here and limited tenting sites on the outskirts of town. I think Magnolia is trying to find another hiker friend that is supposed to be tenting...so she is tenting there herself. I invited Magnolia to make a "guest entry" in my journal...maybe tomorrow. I have to decide how far I want to hike tomorrow...either Cove Mtn Shelter or Duncannon. When I get to Duncannon I have to stay at "The Doyle" a cheap, rundown hotel (the only hotel in town) with a bar and cheap beer. It was built by Anheiser Busch. Staying there is a hiker tradition.Thought for the Day: Will I ever have to cook again?