Date: 2007-07-08
From: Deer Lick Shelters

To: Quarry Gap Shelters
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

July 8, PA RocksVery great day today.I started hiking today at 7:35 a.m. The trail was wonderfully flat for quite a while. We stopped at Old Forge Picnic Ground for a quick break and then carried on. We ran into Cobweb and Mayo at Tumbling Run Shelters just like we knew we would. Last night, they were trying to talk us into hiking on with them but we opted out and told them we'd wake them up in the morning. They even offered to carry our packs but it still wasn't enough. We wanted to call them the B-Team but they informed us they would rather be called the AA Team, Above Average. Hmm.It was about five miles before our next break. After that was the big push to Caledonia State Park. The trail got a bit rocky and hilly but I was feeling pretty good so it was sort of like an excitng challenge. It didn't even bother me that we had to go up and down to the ridge and back several times for no reason because there was a nice breeze up there.I got to Caledonia State Park around 2:15 p.m. and met Ronin, Cobweb and Mayo under a gigantic tree in the shade. It was a great feeling - I'd hiked 13 miles already, only had a little over two to go, and we had all day to soak up the wonderfulness of the state park.Youngle and Melk arrived shortly after me and were making us all feel guilty for not wanting to swim. There was a pool there but there were also a million and one people in it - I didn't feel like fighting the crowd.So we sat there for quite a while and then Youngle, Ronin, and Melk went for a swim. I snuck in a shower and then talked to Eric and Lindsey while I waited. It was quite relaxing. I also tried to guilt the B-Team into going to the next shelter but they said they needed to be above average or something.We had dinner at the concession stand and then took a digestion break. Around 7 p.m., we started up to the shelter. We arrived around 7:45 and were delighted! This shelter is amazing. There is even an innkeeper and flower pots. And the privy is beautiful - it even has a book about privies in it to read!We were also pleased to find a humorous note in the register from Cobweb and Mayo - said they were breaking up with us on account of many reasons that sounded like a bad romantic breakup. I feel so let down.The crowd is growing here at the shelter and I am growing sleepy. Looking forward to a cool night.We are headed to Pine Grove Furnace State Park tomorrow and hoping to participate in the Half Gallon Challenge. My friends in state government will appreciate this - it's a case of state government directly affecting lives. Apparently there's a budget crisis here in PA and if it doesn't get worked out tonight, the state parks will be shut down tomorrow. I'm sure there are more facts but I currently live in the woods where it's hard to learn these things. Anyway, if Pine Grove is shut down, we may not have ice cream. - Sound of Dirty's portable radio, Tater talking, a plane overhead.Post Trail Thoughts:Well, we were sad to see the B-Team breakup...but, alas, we reunited! It was very nice to get some miles in and still take a huge break in the middle of the day. I remember this day was very nice because I got to talk with friends from home and read some emails from friends as well. And, really, Quarry Gap Shelters were awesome. We were there that night with Edge, Tuna Bag, Candy Bar, Dirty, Tater and his parents, Keymaster, and Veg. People everywhere and good times.