Date: 2014-05-31
From: Super 8 Motel, Carlisle

To: Reston, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The knee felt better this morning but not enough to get back on the trail. I called Trail Angel Mary to see about a ride to the Doyle in Duncannon, but she was likely out shuttling other hikers. About 9:30, I decided to call a taxi company. The thought of hanging out at the Super 8 was not attractive, so I agreed to pay probably more than was wise. I knew Leigh and Mike, who had planned a hike in "the Grand Canyon of PA" in the northern part of the state, would not get to Duncannon until late afternoon, and I wanted to be a around hikers. (Trail Angel Mary did call back but after I had arrived at the Doyle. She was most sympathetic about the knee, and I said I'd give her more notice when I head back -- I'll need to get to Carlisle, probably from Harrisburg.)I got to the Doyle about 10:45, and sat on a bench waiting for it to open at 11. John, who works there, sat and chatted for a couple of minutes. I went across the street to take a picture, and when I came back, a woman came up to me and said, "Are you traveling alone?" I said that I am, and she handed me a $10 bill, saying, "This is to help with your travels." I thanked her profusely and asked her name -- Esther -- and if I could take her picture. I did and said "You are a true trail angel!" She said, "God bless you," I replied, "God bless YOU!" and she said, "He has!" What amazing generosity. It brought tears to my eyes.Pat Kelly, who with his wife Vickey owns the Doyle, popped his head out the door at 11 and said, "Come on in." He showed me where to put my pack, and we chatted about my plans for the day. Elusive soon came in and registered for an overnight stay. He and Legs (She passed with her dog on my first climb up Center Point Knob, saying she was hurrying to make a vet appointment in Boiling Springs.) had done the pancake challenge across the street, but neither was able to beat the record of five -- they are evidently plate-size and thick pancakes. After chatting for a while, he went off to use the computer at the library and do laundry.Walk Worthy came in for lunch about 11:30, and a bit before noon, I ordered lunch -- cheeseburger, fries, and a pint of local beer. A group of four thru-hikers who had passed me on the way in to Boiling Springs (Cupcake, Mary Poppins, Trail Wife, and Prom Queen) came in, and I joined them at their table. Facts came along and joined us a bit later. I confess to having a second beer, since I didn't have to hike out. After they all left, I walked up the road to find the ice cream place. Pat said it was five blocks, but I think it was closer to ten. The ice cream, however, was excellent, and I spent a few minutes talking with a woman sitting outside. She has two knee replacements but still enjoys golf. Elusive arrived as she left, and we chatted about the trail and how fascinated people are by our hikes. He has an email list that has grown significantly, because his friends forward his notes to their friends, and those people want to be added. We discussed Trail Journals, and when we got back to the Doyle, I showed him how it works.Leigh and Mike arrived a little before 4, and I said goodbye to Elusive, Pat, John, and Vickey. I told them I hoped to be back in a few days. Their hospitality to hikers is wonderful.The drive back to Reston took something over two hours. We stopped at Cafe Sono for dinner (a big Greek salad for me) and then came to the house. A huge thanks to my trail angels, Leigh and Mike, for taking in an unexpected guest.