Date: 2004-07-09
From: Duncannon, Pa.

To: Peters Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 11.4

Start: Duncannon, Pa.Destination: Peters Mtn. Shelter. I was glad that morning finally came. My room was stuffy and smelled like dirty hiking boots. I packed up and went down stairs to eat breakfast. I ordered the hiker special which was two eggs, potatoes, bacon or sausage, toast, two pancakes, and grits. I put the pancakes in ziplock bags for a later meal. I could not possibly eat them now anyway. I wanted some herbal tea, but they did not have any. They did have an empty box of green tea. I asked if I could buy a cup of hot water and use my own tea bag. Nope, the law won't allow that. I can't use my own teabag, but dogs can be inside where the food is being cooked and served. Strange, strange. I went to a convince store on the way out of town, picked up some supplies, fixed myself a cup of Cappuccino and called Papermaker. He had gotten some pictures that one of the guests back at Ironmaster's Hostel had taken of me and emailed to him. He said I looked tired and to quit pushing myself so hard. I must say the walk through town was refreshing. The rest of the town was not near as dismal as what II saw last night. There were nice homes with well kept yards filled with colorful flowers and scrubs. One yard even had a huge bear standing in it. The owner was sitting on the porch and I asked him if I could take a picture of the bear. He agreed and told me that two bear had been killed just down the road recently. I could not tell whether he was kidding or not. I crossed the Juniata River first, the Susquehanna River. The Susquehanna River is the longest river crossed by the AT with a length of 444 miles. There is a walkway that goes along the highway for hikers. That makes for a very noisy, but safer than walking on the road. It was quite a climb out of town, but finally the trail leveled off. Lunchtime found me at a nice vista. I pulled out one of my pancakes and spread it with peanut butter. Hmmmm good! Later in the day, I came to a road crossing where an ice chest was sitting. There inside were ice cold drinks. I took my pack off, removed my shoes and sat down and had an ice cold root beer! It sure helps your spirits to be on the receiving end of presents like this, made even more special knowing it is from complete strangers. I got to the shelter and found a level place to set my tent. There is an Amish man here with his three little boys. They are so cute with their plain shirts and matching black pants, held up by black suspenders. I speak to one of them and he looks shocked. I am sure they are dumbfounded by my looks and or my smell. Not the typical woman they are used to seeing. The trail to the water supply is by far the worst one I have ever seen. Well let me clarify that. The trail is very well maintained. It is just that it goes downhill completely off of the mountain. It takes me 30 minutes to get my water for supper. Why couldn't they just bring the trail by the water source on the way to the shelter? That would be too easy I know. I am worn out emotionally today; I am more than ready to call it a day.   What I can see of the sunset is a beautiful pink, and of course the Verry bird is singing his goodnight song. Total miles 11.4