Date: 2015-06-27
From: Boiling Springs

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 90 destination Duncannon at mile 1146.9, 25.6 for the day.That is not a typo!Today there was a 100% chance of rain for most of the day and that part of the forecast was correct. It rained when I woke up around 5 am and it didn't stop until about 4 pm. But the predicted 'thunderstorms with possible severe rain' never materialized. Which didn't surprise me, as it never really got above the high sixties, if that.We were all up and ready to go by 6:15 or so, but the motel office was not open yet so we couldn't arrange for a shuttle back. Fortunately the same lady who picked us up last night cam in shortly after and drove us back. I had contemplated walking/hitching and I'm glad I didn't because it seemed far longer than the two miles the guidebook claimed it was.After a quick stop at the gas station for a Danish , I was off. My original plan had been to go to the first shelter, but that was before I ended up in Boiling Springs. The next plan was to get to the next shelter, which would make for a long day because it was 21 miles. But it would put me in a good position to hike 5 miles tomorrow morning before meeting Valerie and her family. I knew the first 13 (!) miles were very flat and easy and it wasn't raining too hard. That said, it was not exactly pleasant out. Ahab passed me and clearly thought otherwise; she was hiking without rain gear and looked like she was having a grand old time. About 30 minutes after that, the rain picked up and was now in clear 'steady heavy soak' territory. My running shorts are much more pleasant to hike in when wet than my previous convertible shorts, but they do ride up. So in effect, I hiked in bright orange hot pants all day. I'm sure it was very fetching.Those first flat miles were mostly through corn and potato fields and it was actually quite pretty. I tried to take photos but my phone was getting too wet so I had to give that up. There were quite a few road crossings too, including the one over I-81, just like 700 miles back at Atkins VA (actually, that was an underpass). The road crossings were decidedly less scenic than the corn fields and silos, but they did give a good sense of progress.There were only a few minor hills to climb, but after he flat portion, the trail was either super muddy or super rocky. My shoes were completely soaked in short order, which made it easier to decide to just walk through anything. Those new shoes are really timely!I reached the first shelter quickly and was toying with the idea of pushing all the way into town. The idea of a hot shower was very appealing and I was making great time so far. When I ran into Ahab again and we decided to split a room, the decision was made. Except I still had 6 miles to go.Some of those last miles went by quite quickly but of course the last descent was steep and over very wet and very rocky terrain. I was worried I was too tired to pay attention (because going down wet rocks at the end of a long day is just what you want to deal with at that time) so I slowed down a lot.I did finally make it into town, where Ahab had already checked into the Doyle hotel. The Doyle is an AT institution and also a total dump of a hotel. But the sheets and towels are clean (not much else seems to be), the owners are friendly and the food was quite good. Oh, and the hot water was hot and plentiful. It is strictly a 'shower with your crocs on' kind of place though.I ran into Parquet who is now Parkay and who I last saw in Franklin (week 2 or 3!) and into Prefontaine, last seen just north of Damascus. Oh, and Quahog, also last seen in southern Virginia. It's good to see they are all still on the trail.I also had a new shirt waiting for me here (in an effort to destinkify) and a care package from Iris and Michelle. It was fantastic as usual and I will enjoy every last bite.Tomorrow is a bit up in the air but I do need to resupply. After that, we hike. Open map in new windowWant to add a map to your journal?