Date: 2008-05-08
From: Rocky Mtn Shelters (1520')

To: James Frye (Tagg Run) Shelter (800')
Miles today: 30.1
Weather: moderate rain

Today was a big day for me. I did my first legitimate 30 mile day (no rounding up). I crossed the half-way point so now I am closer to Katahdin than Springer, and I attempted the half-gallon challenge. I started out around 7:30 and stopped at the first park for water and bathroom and continued on. The first shelter was really nice with flowers and a stream in front for water that was bordered with cement and stones. A lot of maintanence for a shelter it seemed but the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club has had some of the nicest shelters so far. It rained last night so parts of the trail were flooded but all of the water sources should be flowing good. I met a hiker at the next shelter where I took lunch who has done a lot of the AT and some during winter (he was in the smokies on New Years). The terrain has been real easy so far and the only thing to slow me down are rocks and flooded trail. I met a woman before the Pine Grove Furnace State Park who was maintaining some trail and I talked with her for a little. When she found out how many miles I was doing she asked if I enjoy it or if I ever get to see anything. The answer to both of those would be yes and when compared to someone doing 10-15 mi a day I get to see twice as much. I stopped at the Pine Grove Furnace Park and the hostel there which was closed until 5. The store next to it was open though and is where most hikers attempt the half-gallon challenge where you attempt to eat a half gallon (4 pints) of ice cream in one sitting. I figured I might as well give it a go while I was there and bought a half gallon of vanilla ice cream as well as another dinner to get me to Duncannon. The challenge was going strong for the most part but I just got sick of the vanilla flavor. Also the store owner left and locked up so I was just sitting my myself trying to eat a half gallon of ice cream. I got more than halfway done and decided I had gotten my money's worth and also felt a little ridiculous so I called it off and kept hiking. On my way to the shelter I crossed paths with a couple of people who were at the shelter I came across in the morning with the flowers and stream and they were a little shocked to see me 20 miles later. I got to the shelter and got water immediately before I got too lazy to go get it. I don't feel as tired as I did yesterday and also the bugs aren't as bad at this shelter as they were at the last one. I've got one more night out before Duncannon where I'm meeting Esra. I started from Harper's Ferry with 3 days of food and will make it to Duncannon on that plus the dinner I bought today. It's mainly because my appetite isn't as crazy as it was and I'm able to get more I suppose with less food. It's weird to think in 2 days I'll be in Duncannon, PA. I never really thought past Harper's Ferry and Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, etc. all seemed so far away but I'm already a little bit into PA and blew through MD. Maryland was short but sweet and I wouldn't mind doing it again. I've been told by 3 different people that it is supposed to rain all night and tomorrow.