Date: 2016-05-17
From: US 11, Carlisle Pa

To: Clarks Ferry,Shelter
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: few clouds

Hiked 21.9 miles today from trailhead off US 11 near Carlisle to the Clarks Ferry shelter north of Duncannon. Just two other hikers here, both section hiking and both heading south. One is a college student ("Latch" - he shut the door to a privy so hard that the inside latch locked closed...he broke through a mesh window to open it, and hence forevermore his Trail Name is "Latch"). The other hike is a man in his sixties who face planted yesterday on a bed of rocks and has severe facial bruising and a lump the size of an egg on his forehead. He will seek medical attention tomorrow...While much of the trail in the morning went past streams and fields, there was about 6 miles going into Duncannon and several coming out where the infamous PA trail rocks were rearing their ugly head. As the forecasted rain past us by today, the trail was not slippery, but nevertheless felt pretty dangerous in spots. I spent the whole time looking down where to plant my feet and made sure I had a good grip on my poles. One bright spot of having my eyes down much of the day was that I spotted several Lady Slippers. My new friends, the Old Friends of the 2065 club I wrote about earlier this week will be happy. One member of the club had marked the position of a Lady Slipper with what looked like lime so the rest of the members would take note...when they asked me if I saw the flower, I had to admit that I saw the lime but didn't glance any further. They showed me a photo and told me to be on the lookout...and stop being in such a hurry. I also hope Alide Chase, a former boss at Kaiser Permanente sees this, as she loves orchids and a Google search this to say about them (USDA reference)"Did you know that in addition to the tall trees for which we are best known, a beautiful and sometimes hidden treasure of wondrous native orchids are on our National Forests and Grasslands?They might have been one of our best kept secrets - but no more. We want to share with the public this diverse, and frankly, awe-inspiring national treasure. Shy and pale, or flaunting in glorious color, they can be found under trees, in small openings, grassy meadows or prairies. Some are rare or becoming rare, but with quality management and the help of our partners we can reverse that trend. To that end we practice conservation and manage their habitats so that future generations will also be able to enjoy their many benefits.It is our hope that you too will be struck by their beauty and complexity as you meet here the elegant ¢ladies¢ of our National Forests and Grasslands and help us in our efforts to protect them.Lady¢s slipper orchids are in the genus Cypripedium in the Orchidaceae familyThe genus name Cypripedium is derived from the Greek words "Cypris" an early reference in Greek myth to Aphrodite, and ¢pedilon¢ for sandal. This is because the fused petals that form the orchid¢s pouch or modified lip (labellum) resemble a slipper or shoe. The staminode (sterile stamen) is often showy and seems to welcome the insect into the pouch where it makes its way to a back-door exit and in so doing transfers pollen to the stigma.There are about 50 species that are widespread throughout boreal, temperate, and tropical regions of the European, Asian, and North American continents. More than 30 species are distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. Twelve species occur in the US and eleven are represented on National Forest System."Duncannon is one of about 12 towns that the AT passes right through. It was welcoming but looks like it has seen its better days. A number of storefronts were closed as was a one time major manufacturer of snow sleds. I stopped at the Doyle Hotel for a cheeseburger and fries at about 3:00 pm. It came with many recommendations of other hikers and they were spot on. Also passing through Duncannon is the Susquehanna River. It originates at a Lake my family use to vacation on and is near two of my sisters today - Lake Oswego in Cooperstown NY. Some fun facts about this River: "At 464 miles, it is the longest river on the American east coast that drains into the Atlantic Ocean. With its watershed, it is the 16th-largest river in the United States, and the longest river in the continental United States without commercial boat traffic today."Man, remember when we needed to go to the library to find out such stuff!