Date: 2014-06-27
From: boiling springs

To: Darlington shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

We left early this morning without breakfast since the wife of the judge had invited us to breakfast. She had said that they lived 3 miles north of boiling springs just off the trail in a yellow and stone house. We didn't really believe that she ment it till we got there. They have this beautiful house which was built in the 17th century and they have renovated it in the (what we call) country farm stile. They have done a great job on it. Anne already waited with breakfast almost ready. She as well wasn't sure if we would show up and just hoped she wouldn't get stuck with all the food. Breakfast was awesome, we couldn't have asked for anything else or more, and we would have loved to just stay there and enjoy the place. But we knew that if we would stay at such a nice place we would probably get used to it and not being able to get back on the trail. Anne actually plans to offer tent sites on their land. This would be great since right now out of boiling springs there is no possibility to spend the night till the shelter which is almost 15 miles away. I'm sure many people would really appreciate a stop in between. Anne, you are a trail angel, thank you so much for everything!So we did hike on and hiked actually pretty fast. We hiked across a wide valley which reminded me of the midlands in Switzerland, all farm land, corn fields, cow pastures, and sometimes a small stretch of forest for us to hike in and a few big roads to cross. It was about 30? Celsius in the shade and we appreciated every tree. We took many long breaks. During one of those breaks we realized that tomorrow is Saturday. We had planned to hike into Duncannon in the early afternoon to pick up our mail drop. But Saturdays the post office closes at noon. I got worried since I know that we aren't able to hike 12 miles before noon. Would we have to hike further today? Marco had the great idea to call them and then toad reminded us that they could actually send it further ahead. Lucky for us we had sent it with priority mail so they do this for no extra charge. We called and it was no problem, they send it on today to the next town we will stop at. Perfect! I was really glad I didn't have to hike further than planned. I haven't taken any painkillers today and I didn't plan on taking any just to be able to get to the post office. My ankle kept up pretty good even so I'm annoyed of it. The trail is so perfect and we could do some good miles if I wouldn't be hurt. I guess my body is just telling me not to pressure it, so difficult for me. I lay in my sleeping bag and can't sleep. My mind keeps wandering. I had read the book "around the world in 10 years" for about an hour, then I laid it away. I could have continued reading it to the end but I know I need a good nights rest to be able to get up early in the morning and hike those miles I have to hike. Laying in the tent I realize this is my home. Like Anna and Pablo, we have traded our nice flat for a much less comfortable "home". Everything we need for 6 months is in our 2 square meter home. It gives a wrong feeling of privacy and security. But there is no privacy, when vagabond moves I can hear him even so he's a few yards away. There is also no safety, the tent kept us dry so far, but a thin layer of fabric doesn't give safety. Marco lays beside me and he's the only thing I really care about. He is the only thing I can't just rebuy. I hope he knows how much I care and appreciate everything he does for me.