Date: 2018-05-16
From: Tumbling Run Shelter

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Speedy and I were the only ones in the shelter labeled "non-snoring" while two women slept in the "snoring" shelter. It was a relaxing night and I slept really well! In the morning, I woke to Speedy packing up and pushed myself to get up. I knew I had a shorter than normal day over lighter terrain so I felt no rush. Somehow though, I made it out before him and was on the trail by 6:45. So much for sleeping in.The morning started with a 1000' climb then gradual uphill and downhill for the remainder of the first 10 miles. At PA rt 30 I had heard there was a restaurant that was a must stop. The place was called Timbers and as I neared the road, I ran into 3 flip flop hikers. First, let me explain what a flip flop is. It's when a person begins a thru hike somewhere other than Maine or Georgia and hikes one way. When they hit the end point-- Katahdin or Springer, they fly/drive back to their original starting point and hike the other direction to the other endpoint. The ATC is highly recommending this method now because it lessens the impact on the trail. I've met a bunch of flip floppers on trail since Harper's Ferry.I met Bryan, One pole and I believe the women's name was Kara or Zara. Trail names havent been given to two of them because they just started. But, regardless, we walked to Timbers restaurant together and ate at the same table. They asked questions about my hike and I asked them what their favorite part had been so far. It was a good time. Speedy eventually rolled in as well and sat behind us. I had an omelette, home fries, English muffins, 4 massive pieces of French toast and a breakfast sandwich with cups and cups of coffee. I also ordered a bacon cheeseburger and packed that out for later! After two hours of sitting there and charging my devices I decided to finish off the other half of my hike. I said my goodbyes to the flip floppers and told them I would probably see them again after I got back on trail from graduation. I climbed another 1000' through Caledonia State Park then rode a ridge for a fair amount of the remaining 10 miles. I was having a really relaxing hike today and found myself stopping multiple times in some "remote" areas to just sit and enjoy the bird calls and beauty around me. It was an awesome afternoon.The shelters in PA are amazing! They have outstanding privys, some have pavilions covering the picnic tables and clothes lines along with bear poles. Can't beat them! I stopped at my destination for the day around 3:30 and hungout talking to some hikers I had never met before. Tarzan was here and was nursing an injury to his foot and ankle. We shared stories of the trail and he asked about people he had known that I had seen in the prior days. I also met a flip flopper named Steve and enjoyed their company. I'm in a pretty desolate section of trail in terms of thru hikers. There are 5 or 6 about a day ahead and then a bunch behind but recently Speedy and I haven't seen many. It's weird getting to camp and being with flip floppers who are just starting the trail. They look to us for advice and watch us as we cook meals but I just try and reassure them that they'll do great. Taking a nice relaxing evening here before meeting my parents tomorrow for the half gallon challenge! Woo!I want to congratulate all my friends at Westfield State and others I went to high school with on graduation! So pumped for everyone and excited to see what comes next for you all!