Date: 2015-05-23
From: James Fry Shelter

To: Allenberry Resort in Boiling Springs
Miles today: 12.0

I got off to another late start. It was cold this morning and I did not want to get out of my sleeping bag. Waited until everyone took off and then used the shelter to do my morning yoga. I know I should probably start hiking earlier and end my day earlier, but right now I am enjoying my quiet time and yoga by myself. I would never be able to hike if I didn't get in a significant amount of stretching. Really hoping this is going to help prevent injuries and ease the pain and discomfort. I've been sporting lightweight knee pads for most of the hike so far because of my knee injury a few months ago. They seem to really help, and I've only had slight discomfort in my knees which is encouraging. My plan is to hike without them on the easier stretches to help strengthen them.I planned to take it slow and easy today but then I got a text from Bear Biscuit telling me if I made it to Boiling Springs he would treat me to dinner. That was all the motivation I needed. It was actually an easy hike today except for two rock mazes in which I could barely squeeze myself and my pack through. There was a little sideways action going on through the boulders. One especially high boulder gave me some trouble, but omehow I managed to get up and over with my pack on. I saw a couple coming from the other direction who looked like they were having as much difficulty as me, so I asked them if this stretch ended soon and their answer was "define soon." In my haste I ran out of water again, and the trail soon became an open stretch through cornfields and was scorching hot. I was appreciative of the change in scenery but really messed up by not having enough water. And then I got lost going through the cornfields. I brilliantly called Bear Biscuit for directions to the Allenberry Resort, and he told me I was only 10 minutes away. Great news, but about half an hour later I realized the big white poles I was following across a farmer's cornfield were not white blazes. I felt really bad when I realized what I was doing. Bear Biscuit was kind enough to backtrack along the trail to find me, and I was so grateful for the water bottle he had for me. I hadn't seen him since Art Gypsy had dropped him off at Walmart in Pen Mar to resupply. They say the trail provides; so do the hikers you meet along the way. Thank you Bear Biscuit. We walked to Anile's Ristorante which is popular with hikers because of the huge portions of food. I enjoyed a large chili cheese steak that hit the spot. Grasshopper was already there dining with two other thru-hikers and is sharing a room with them.The Allenberry Resort is huge and a real treat with special pricing for thruhikers. Grasshopper and Bear Biscuit even did my laundry with theirs since my feet were so sore.   The Little Prince is a day ahead of us but since the four of us are flip flopping from HF and started within a day of each other we are keeping in touch through texting. Little Prince left messages in shelter logs with his phone number when he zoomed ahead. He was calling me Fairy Princess instead of Lil Mermaid. Sometimes I feel like a princess on the trail with all my good fortune and help from other hikers. Tomorrow is going to be another 15 mile day. I feel so lucky to be out here! So thankful!