Date: 2014-06-06
From: rocky mountain shelter

To: campsite at mile 1103
Miles today: 27.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I knew what was in store for today and i was really excited about it. First was that i was only a couple miles from a campground with real legit bathrooms, the kind with running water. That is such a nice thing to look forward to. I was up early and intended to set off when Bones came over and wanted to talk about what my plans were for the day and then Shortcut came along and chatted to. We all were geared up for the 'half gallon challenge' where they dare a thru hiker to try to eat a half gallon of ice cream. I was pretty sure i could do it but nrevous too, i didnt want to let my hometown down, i couldnt stand it if they were disappointed in me. So shortly after Shortcut moved on i left the campsite. Bones still had to pack up but he is insanely fast so he wont be behind for long. I got to the campground just at the right time to take care of all my morning chores. As i was heading up the big hill out of the camp, bones blazed past me and said he would see me at the next shelter. He likes to stop and read the shelter log books to see where everyone is. As i got to the shelter i was thoroughly impressed, someone puts a lot of effort into keeping this nice. I was cooking along in a groove so i walked right by and said to Bones 'try to catch up'. A few miles down the trail i caught up Shortcut, he was stretching so i led the way to the shelter we would eat lunch at. We all ended up there about the same time and had a nice lunch by the stream. Most of the talk was about the ice cream and strategy but i was more concerned with passing the OFFICIAL halfway point, only a couple miles away! This was gonna be epic, emotional, and photoworthy. Bones went first and was not seen again till pine grove furnace where the ice cream was but shortcut and i were going about the same pace so we ended up at the halfway point at the same time so we took eachothers picture. There was only a 8" x 11" laminated paper sign on a small post that said halfway, 1092.65 to springer and 1092.65 to katahdin. It was sooo unepic but i was still a little bit emotional. This was a big deal to me, i was now counting down miles. Then on to the big sign that stands in the woods, another sorta halfway point but it makes for a better pic. Now it was time to get to the challenge. From the halfway point it was about six fairly easy miles but we tore it up so we could gorge ourselves. Upon arrival bones was working on his and doing quite well. I got neopolitan so i wouldnt ruin a flavor i really liked if things didnt go well. Bones finished his in about 40 minutes, shortcut and i finished ours in about 20 minutes. Sooo we went back and got food. I got a grilled ham and cheese, fries, a gatorade, a sprite, and two snickers bars. That should hold me over till dinner in a couple hours. The food really hit the spot, the challenge was complete. We sat for a bit and talked. The other two were going to stay at the hostel there but i really wanted to move on so thats what i did. I only went few more miles to a tent site but i didnt want to spend the money as im gonna get a room in duncannon in a few days. I set up camp and only ate one pack of ramen noodles for dinner. It was a good day. Over halfway seems so good even though it seems like just yesterday i was heading up springer wondering what i was doing. I sometimes think of the book my ma gave me when i graduated school. Its a dr seuss book called the things you will see. I think 'wow' the things i have seen, the things i will see. How did she know?