Date: 2008-07-08
From: Pine Grove Furnace

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: few clouds

Recharged and ready to go, I checked out of the hostel. After crossing the road we entered the Pine Grove Furnace State Park. I walked along side an inviting lake. It actually was once a mine that had flooded and was now used recreationally. It always seems like when I find a good place to swim, either the weather or the timing isn't the best.In this case, it was timing, I had a full day planned, heading for Boiling Springs 19+ miles ahead. The weather turned for the worse, and it was torential rains most of the day. The kind where every step sloshes out water from inside your boot. Being wet like this is more annoying than anything else. It's warm, and the hike was rather enjoyable. Eventually in late afternoon, the rains subsided and the sun worked it's way back through the clouds. The last few miles were walking along farmer fields and beside treelines.It was different, and allowed me to dry out in the sun as I walked. As I arrived at the outskirts of Boiling Springs. I crossed a foot bridge and stopped as I watched a boy fly fishing, and reel in a nice rainbow.Nice, Continuing on, brought me into the small town. The 3 of us stopped at the ATC mid-Atlantic regional office. For some reason I was expecting a little more enthusiasm from the employees upon our arrival, Oh,well? We learned that there was a restaurant and a tavern just a block away. There also was a man named John Garmin who lived nearby that ran a B&B and would let hikers pitch their tent in the yard for $1.00. We called him, made arrangements and would see him later. Right now we had a thirst that needed quenching and then enjoy some town food. There was a restaurant and tavern less than a block away. We did learn that the tavern was a little upscale and hikers have been asked to leave either for their hygiene or lack of appropriate attire.We washed as best we could from a spicket out back, then changed into our cleanest clothes. Well, a few minutes later, we were enjoying a cold draft at the bar. I guess we were clean & presentable enough. This was a little slice of heaven right here. "Worthy" arrived and had bought us the first round. Thanks Steve! He was meeting his son tomorrow and would be hiking with him. He was also staying in the house of the B&B in which we were camping in the yard.After a couple more, we ordered a 6 pack to go. Drinking laws are different & confusing from state to state. Here in Pennsylvania, you can only buy beer from a bar or distributor, not a store. Next door at Aneals restaurant, we were seated and the waitress refrigerated our beer and would bring us one as we asked. Funny rules around here. The meal was outstanding and I took a sub for a snack later.Once arriving to Mr. Garmins yard and pitching our tents, he showed us where to pee in the driveway next to the alley. This was kind of funny, but he just didn't want anyone to go in his yard, understandable.Blazing Star & Mas tented here tonight as well. It was a long day, with a comfortable ending. Sometimes the AT life is far different than what is first imagined? I have become accustomed to enjoying the special rewards of a town stop that I previously would not have given a second thought. It is now the littlest things that mean so much. A cold coke, a Little Debbie, a toilet that flushes, Life is good, when such little things mean so much, At least I think so.