Date: 2006-05-20
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: US 11 - Appalachian Motor Inn
Miles today: 11.9

Since I only planned to do 12 miles today, I slept late (6:45) and therefore got away late (8 AM). After a walk in the mature forest of about 3/4 mile, the Trail environment changed completely. It went through or alongside plowed fields, with intermitten sections through remnant woods that were mostly thick with undergrowth. By and large, the Trail in the woods was wide or recently trimmed back, but in some places the weeds were reaching in from both sides. I crossed roads frequently and could hear highway traffic almost all day.In one area I heard what I thought were either gunshots or someone unloading lumber piece by piece. It turned out to be gunfire, but I couldn't see what was happening and guessed at either a firing range for skeet and trap or a Civil War reenactment (Gettysburg is close, so lots of local historic sites and interest.) I later found out it was a gun club firing range.The Trail today was flat, with only enough rocks to be an occasional nuisance, nothing malevalent. Stopped in Boiling Springs early; only 4 miles from the shelter. Had my second breakfast at JC's Countrytime Cafe, a coffee and sandwich shop with breakfast pastries and dozens of specialty coffee choices. Red Dog and 365 were already there when I arrived.Afterwards I walked a block to the Regional ATC headquarters, where I got water, fuel, and some free peanut butter and candy from 365. He had received an unanticipated maildrop box from a friend, so he had more than he wanted to carry. He is staying over in Boiling Springs for a day or two with friends. Since the Post Office was right across the street, I was able to mail some journal pages home to Jane. Boiling Springs is a small, clean, and prosperous looking town, unlike some other nearby towns that are depressingly old and declining. Fly By lives near here but did not get a chance to call him - and no reason to except to say "hello".A mile or so out of Boiling Springs I met Hansel and Gretel for the 3rd straight day. They are a very friendly, knowledgable older couple from Cologne, Germany who are walking southward on a northbound section hike. Huh? Yes, that's right. They have rented two cars, and each morning they park one at the southern end of that day's walk and drive the other to the northern end, where they start walking southward to the first car. Each day they repeat the process, moving northward by walking south. They stay in a cabin or motel for several days and slackpack each day, so their pack weight is reduced - no tent, no sleeping bags, no stove or fuel, no extra clothes, etc. Apparently the euro is strong against the dollar.Wildlife report - Near the end of the walk today I had stopped for water and to check the Guidebook. I heard a funny squeaking noise which I thought was a bird in nearby bushes. When I looked, a big fat groundhog ran right by my foot, across the Trail, and into another patch of weeds and rocks. Surprised me? Yes. Got here to the motel about 2:30 pm and am emjoying having several hours to rest and do laundry, shower, wahs dishes, sort food, plan the next few days, watch some TV, etc. Hope to start out early tomorrow and get to Duncannon in time to grocery shop. I also got to talk with Jane, whom I miss terribly but will see in 5 days.