Date: 2014-06-03
From: Swatara Gap

To: Pine Grove, PA
Miles today: 11.6

Today was an interesting day on the trail. It started by crossing an old steel bridge that was erected in 1890 and is now used for pedestrian and bicycle traffic only. I then crossed under I-81 and climbed almost 1,000 feet up a ridge where I would spend the rest of this day. Half way up, I stopped to chat with Sisyfus & Dino a bit. We discussed the possibility of slack packing together the next day while P&R said hello as they passed. This would be the last I would see of them until near the end of our hike today. I said goodbye and hiked on.The next mile was covered in poison ivy and some rocky sections. How can that stuff grow in those rocks? Shortly later the trail intersected an abandon road bed and was much easier. Since today was a short day (11+ mi.), I was in no hurry. I have really been trying to live in the moment while on the trail, but the easy terrain and my slow pace allowed my mind to wander and I remembered a day last fall when I was doing volunteer work on a trail construction crew for the Cumberland Trail Cumberland Trail Conference (CTC). I had met only a couple of the people there, so there were many new faces. I was particularly impressed with one older gentleman. I think his name was Joe. He was 70 or so I guessed, but he was strong and obviously knew a great deal about trail construction. I watched him whenever I was not digging, raking or moving rock. Later that night at the bunkhouse after everyone else had gone to bed we talked. He mentioned he had Thru-hiked the AT. I told him of my interest and he began telling me of his adventures. I listened and ask questions for a couple of hours. I didn¢t see him the next day. It was a couple of months later I came for two more days to help the CTC on a bridge construction project. I had a list of questions for Joe and was excited to see him. I learned he had passed away and I would never see him again. Thinking of this today set my mind in strange place. I started thinking about the beginning of my own AT adventure. I thought of the people I have met along the way. Some of them I may never see again and others might randomly show up in the next town. I thought about the trail angels that bring the trail magic. It really is a lot more than a cooler full of food and drinks. I think these people have had their own adventures and are showing their gratitude for the opportunity to hike the AT. I also think they know how hard it is for some and want to encourage and help us succeed. I thought about all the other people that are helping us out here; mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters, husbands, wives and friends that are cheering us on and encourage us when we are down. They come to visit and send us packages. I was suddenly taken away from my thoughts when I heard P&R talking. I walked over to them and they said we were 45 minutes from our end point. The miles had gone by so quickly and the time had vanished.Today, I felt what Joe was trying to say. Today was a good day and I am grateful to be here. I am grateful to have met Joe, but I am most grateful for Tamara who has supported me from the very beginning. I am not here to see how fast I can do the trail nor am I here for bragging rights. I am here because I want the experience that Joe spoke of. I still remember the look in his eye when he said "the trail will change you".