Date: 2015-06-27
From: Quarry Gap Shelters 

To: Allenbury Resort 
Miles today: 17.2

It started raining during the night and the forecast called for rain throughout the day, so I began my hike on a wet trail. While trying to manage large puddles an poor drainage I thought it'd be good if the trail maintainers came out in a storm like this to see where improvements could be made. By noon the trail was completely flooded and I thought trail maintainers shouldn't bother coming out in this, cause nobody should be hiking in this weather. Of course that's when the rain got even heavier.I passed the half way point of the trail. Mile 1094.6 This also happens to be day 77 for me, meaning I've been out here for eleven weeks. I didn't get a picture there because the rain was so heavy.I did make it to Pine Grove Furnace State Park, where they have a general store that is home of the "half gallon challenge". The concept is that when you've hiked half the trail, you eat a half gallon of ice cream. There's no reward for completing the challenge other than writing your name in a book and getting a commemorative wooden spoon. That, and eating a lot of ice cream. Now, you have to take into consideration that I've been hiking for six hours in the rain and the temperature can't be more than 65°F. I arrive cold and soaking wet. But there's two other hikers there, 6-12 and Arrow, and they just arranged for a shuttle to a hotel, which a warm dry bed is the one thing that has kept my spirit high the whole day. The ride will be there in about twenty minutes. But I realize that if I don't do the half gallon challenge now, I probably won't do it when I come back tomorrow. (also worth noting, they don't sell the ice cream in half gallon containers, so you have to get 1.5 quarts and then buy a pint in a bowl separately - the people in the store are used to it though) So cold and wet, I walk in the store, look at the ice cream fridge and decide I'm going to go for it. I chose Moose Tracks for my 1.5 quart flavor and began spooning it in my mouth. Because it was a slow day, they let me sit inside and eat the ice cream. A young girl, the niece of the guy working, was "working" behind the counter and decided she was going to try the challenge too. I made it through the 1.5 quarts in about 15 minutes and got my additional pint (Mint Moose Tracks) before the shuttle driver arrived. At this point I'm shivering, my mouth is going numb, and are shuttle driver is ready for us. But I did it. I completed the challenge and got my wooden spoon.The shuttle ride to Allenbury Resort from Mike was great. He had heated seats and adjustable temperature in the back so it only took a few minutes to get back to a healthy temperature after the ice cream challenge. The hot shower and laundry at the resort was a good bonus. That and being able to sit at the bar and watch the woman's world cup match (Japan beats Australia 1-0).I joined up with some other hikers for the dinner buffet, Backtrack, Smiles, Stretch and Fireball. After stuffing myself with food I went and watched the live theater, a performance of Damn Yankees. As No Trace suggested, it was a great way to not hike. But it didn't change my opinion that I don't like musicals. I did enjoy finally getting another reference that the Simpsons made.Fitbit -------------Miles: 17.6 Calories: 4400 Stairs: 235