Date: 2005-06-28
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: U.S. 11
Miles today: 11.9

Started @ Alec Kennedy ShelterDestination: US 11Miles today: 11.9Total miles 1114.3Stayed in motelDay 109I decided to stay at the Super-8 Motel today instead of going 8 more miles to Darlington Shelter. It is just too hot and I am afraid of not drinking enough water, even though I try. I sweat out more than I can take in, I think. So, I decided yesterday that this would most likely be my stopping point for today. Even though it has only been 2 days since my last shower I have sweat so much and my clothes have been soaked both days, it is time to get completely clean again. Not that I will notice any difference tomorrow 15 minutes after I start hiking. At least right now I feel good after a bath, clean clothes, and a good meal at the restaurant across the street.I got here at 12:30 this afternoon. The trail from the shelter was up the mountain and then down a gradual descent to the wide valley below. I will climb out of the valley tomorrow. I came down from the mountain and was taken along a corn field, across a road, and by more fields of corn, soybeans, or wheat until Boiling Springs. Boiling Springs is a pretty little town--at least, what I saw of it. There is a nice stream that goes by it just south and there seemed to be a lot of people fishing there. Then there is a little lake next to town with a footpath and benches around it and lots of shade trees. There were people fishing in it, also. I stopped at the ATC Mid-Atlantic Regional Office and rested on the porch swing and ate a granola bar and a Snickers bar. After filling my water bottle with water from the spigot I headed out again. The trail left town on a shaded trail and it was shady most of the way. Sometimes it took me along fields and near or through pasture fields. Once I walked along a pasture where the cattle were all lying in the shaded part of the pasture just on the other side of the fence I was walking along. I thought they are very smart! I passed many mulberry trees and the ground was covered with them. There was a scent of fermented berries rising up to my nose and I wondered if the birds that eat those berries felt a little tipsy after eating them. There were quite a few raspberries along the trail, also, and I did stop to pick a few but mostly I kept going because it was so hot.I saw a lot of rabbits on the trail in the valley today. There was lots of dense cover for them along the trail. Also, I startled a deer today. Everything is so dry here. I guess there are lots of places in need of rain right now. There are chances of scattered thunderstorms here now, according to the weather channel. We certainly do need it.I got an e-mail from someone whose husband is walking the trail. I don't know his trail name but he must be behind me somewhere. She wants to meet me in Duncannon when I get there, if possible. I e-mailed her and told her when I expect to be there. That would be nice if it works out for her. I have been so blessed with good health and no injuries so far on the trail. So many have had to get off due to injuries--young and old alike. And I can just imagine the deep disappointment for those hikers. I have had what is called a "nero day"--a near zero day. Hike a few miles into a town so you get there early and still have most of the day left and hike out the next day. Today has been great! Tomorrow it is back to hiking, though, and I will be glad to be hiking again and happy to have another nero day in Duncannon. It is early but I am going to lay back, maybe watch a little TV or listen to my wonderful music on my MP3 player. I think my eyes hurt too much from the sun to do much TV watching.