Date: 2017-05-21
From: Rodeway Inn, Shippensburg, PA

To: James Fry Shelter, PA
Miles today: 5.8

5/21/17, James Fry Shelter,  PAMiles hiked: 785.3, Miles to go: 1399.5As you can see from our mileage, today was a much lazier day than yesterday. We all woke up and got moving by around 7:30 AM. The room rate included a "Continental Breakfast"; but, we didn't hold out much hope and figured we'd end up back at the gas station for breakfast. We walked through the breakfast area and saw that the continental breakfast consisted of toast. Yep, that was the sum total of the offerings - toast. Dry toast - not even buttered. We didn't even break stride. We kept walking right out the front door and toward the gas station, laughing the whole way. At the gas station we feasted on such delights as microwaved sausage, egg, and cheese biscuits, breakfast burritos, and little chocolate donuts. After our scrumptious breakfast we returned to our room and rounded up our stuff. It's amazing how fast five backpacks can explode and cover a room. Once packed, we began ruminating on just how we were going get back to the trail. When you are driving, ten miles isn't so far. Walking is a different story. Then something amazing happened! We were sitting with the door to our room open to the parking lot (five thru hikers and their packs don't smell so good) when this guy comes walking up and says, "You're Beaker, right?"It was an incredible trail angel named Iceman. It turns out that Iceman section-hiked the entire trail over a seven year period and now enjoys helping other hikers with their hikes as a way to stay connected to the trail. He had read my TrailJournals blog and knew that we needed a ride back to the trail. He had tried to post a message to my guest page; but, the "new and improved" TrailJournals has a bug that prevents people with Apple products from posting. So, like any reasonable person, he got in his car early on a Sunday morning and drove an hour to Shippensburg to find us. He had enquired at the front desk about our room number; but, they wouldn't give it to him. So, he drove around the building looking for us. Luckily, due to hiker stench, he was able to see us sitting in our room with the open door. Oh yeah - and he brought donuts. Premium donuts. Major score! I am continually amazed at the people out here who are willing to help us thru hikers. I am seeing amazing views, wild animals, and historical sights on this trek; but, it's the people like Iceman and Real Deal who make this such a wonderful trip. Thanks Iceman - you were a real bright spot in our day!We crammed five hikers and their packs into Iceman's car and headed back to the Pine Grove Furnace General Store. We arrived just as Sitting Bull, who had zeroed in Harper's Ferry due to shin splints, came walking up. 1st Sgt and I opted out of the Half Gallon Challenge, settling on just a bowl of ice cream. Sitting Bull and Captain rose to the challenge, though, and promptly demolished a half gallon of ice cream apiece. After watching them eat their ice cream, touring the AT Museum located next door, and eating lunch, we didn't get back on the trail until 1:00 PM. We quickly realized that our feet were still pretty tender from yesterday's marathon hike. So, we decided to check out the next shelter and possibly make it a short day. The next shelter turned out to be a nice shelter with individual bunks. There were a mother and daughter already there who were doing a Flip Flop hike. We started talking to them and soon our NOBO friend Ringer arrived (you may recall that Ringer is the woman who found 1st Sgt's wallet when he dropped it in NC). Pretty soon, we decided we were done hiking for the day. It has been a pleasant evening. We all decided to stay in the shelter tonight since there is a chance of rain. No one wants to pack up a wet tent or hammock if they don't have to. Tomorrow, it's on to Boiling Springs!