Date: 2013-05-11
From: Campsite AWOL Mile Marker: 1108.8

To: Doyle Hotel Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 33.7
Weather: moderate rain

The rain stop just before Daybreak. I was able to pack up and out by 0730. About 30 mins into the hike the rain started again and continue off and on all day until Duncannon.Well I started to think the Rocks of Pennsylvania stories were out-rated, the first 100 miles wasn't too different from the other States. That was before the last few miles to Duncannon. The Rock were very sharp, so I have to be careful. The AT went into the Valley, so flat grass land. It went through the Historic Town of Boiling Springs. The Fishermen were out fly fishing in the rain. The houses around the Park were blended nicely with nature. They have swans and other ducks living in the park, it was beautiful. I stopped at the ATC Mid Atlantic Office (forget it was Saturday) closed. I refill water from spigot, out back and continue on.True story time:When I went to the ATC Wednesday to sigh in and take photo, there was a Female Hiker who started 14 March, sighed in on Monday, so I was thinking she is very fast. Fast forward today as I cross Lisburn Road (Hwy 112) there was a car in the parking lot with an older woman in the driver seat, so I wave hello an continue on. About 1/2 mile up there was a young man walking in the rain. I shouted coming Through and passed him. (As I passed him I started hearing weapons firing. I was praying it wasn't on the AT. I came to the conclusion that a weapon range were nearby).Well to continue with the story. I though it was a young man out for a stroll on the trail. I stop at the Foot Bridge to get my bearing and a snack. He came by, I said hello, he asked if I am Thru Hiking, I said yes. He said he is too and his trail name Inertia. That was the name of the Hiker at ATC (sorry Inertia I thought you were a Female from the picture). I told him my trail name is Saber. He said he heard about me. I asked him what he heard, he said I am a fast hiker who hikes 30 miles days. He mentioned that I was the first hiker to pass him, he continued on.As I approach the next road, I saw the car I passed earlier with the woman. I was thinking dejavue. It was his Mom. I guess she is slack packing him. The reason he was walking without a Backpack. I chat with his Mom for a second, she asked if I need anything, I said no. Her Husband retired Navy. I guess because I am a Solitary Hiker, I don't hear.I stopped at the Scott Farm Tail Work Center, for water. A few Section Hikers were there. A girl with them keep saying it is nice seeing you again. I couldn't place her, she said she saw me back in Georgia at Fresh Ground Trail Magic just before Wayah. Her name is Sugar ___, she has a knee injury, so she is off the trail. I mentioned Inertia was ahead of me , she said she knew them, his mom slacked pack her a few times. Well I saw his Mom briefly before I got in the Mountain to Duncannon, she asked if I want some water, told her I was fine I am going into town, she jokingly said I will be there in 10 mins (guess the word on the street/trail is I am a fast Hiker. I wish she was right because AWOL warned about the rocks. So that is how I met Inertia who I thought was a girl. Despite the rocks and rain I made it into Duncannon by 1915.On the way to the Hotel I stopped at The Local Veterans of Foreign War, I walked in said I was a Vet Thru-Hiking the AT, you should have seen the looks I received, there were about ten guys there. I hope the look was because I had a Backpack and smelly and not because Black Guy walk into facility. I don't want to insinuate anything. I didn't feel welcome, so I about face (turn around and walk-out). This is a branch suppose to hosting the hike, the war service member coming up the trail later.I stayed at the Doyle Hotel, supposedly the Doyle was one of an Heuser - Baush Flagship Hotel 100 plus years ago. Let me politely say it has seen better days. Pat and Vickey was very welcoming, Pat even offer to drive me to the store to resupply because it was about to close and an uphill walk. For $25 bucks you get a room, clean linen and a very hot-not shower, even food and alcohol in the same building. Just don expect 5 stars.I ate at Doyle, get pizza, laundry and small resupply from the local grocery store. Decide to resupply in Hamburg.So today was a very eventful day.