Date: 2004-07-04
From: Ironmasters Hostel - Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

Swan, soft beds, and sleeping indoors simply do not mix any longer. When I slept, I slept soundly but when I awoke I was energetic and ready to get outdoors. 2:30 a.m. was just a tad too early though. 5:30 also was not popular with my roommates Ursa Minor and Blue. 7:00 and I could not lie still any longer. It was still 9:30 before we started our day's mileage. Ursa Minor managed to solidify a zero day with a good friend ... thus the delay. My decision to join her or continue on to Duncannon was difficult. Obviously I chose to hike as I'm writing from a peaceful campsite 15.5 miles into the second half of my thru-hike.The Annual July Fourth Picnic on Jan's Deck for Women Only has been postponed for three months. The new date and location: October fourth, summit of Katahdin, Baxter State Park, Maine. I'll still provide the quiche if I can figure out how to prepare it over an alcohol stove in the woods! Only 1.7 miles from here is a Boy Scout Camp. Bugles were playing earlier, probably their dinner bell. Now at 9 p.m. we are hearing fireworks.The weather Gods were blessing us today. The skies were mostly overcast and brought us a little bit of moisture, not enough to bring out raingear besides our pack covers. I couldn't stop moving today. My pack stayed on my back from 9:30 to 2:15. Finally after a bit of a climb to a supposed vista I put it down and enjoyed some trail mix. A short 10 or 15 minutes later I was trucking full-speed ahead once again. The most interesting part of today's trek was also the most humorous. The trail took us to the top of a small mountain to a quarter-mile length of large boulders. Although there appeared to be a nice flattish trail going around them at the base of the rocks, the trail planners obviously figured we should see them up-close and personal. We climbed over and around and between, and through every possible crevice we and our packs could fit. Not only were there white blazes directing our course, there were painted on the rocks at every turn fat huge mocking arrows defining the route. We could find no excuse to make an error and pass by this rocky maze. I'm certain those responsible for laying out this section are out there laughing at us. I must admit it was quite fun. But anyone with aching knees or short legs has my empathy -- Ursa?!I cruised 15.5 miles in six hours. From where this sudden spurt of energy is coming I have no idea but I hope it continues for another 1071 miles.When I arrived at this shelter the sky was dripping a few raindrops. Thus, Hank and Froggie Pete had decided to stop here for the day. Paul and Paul II are out here for the weekend to celebrate Paul II's 8th grade graduation. Carolina Blue pulled in shortly behind me and we knew of at least five more who would probably stay for the night. Suddenly the shelter was getting full. The rain stopped. The air was cool. A breeze was stirring. The air in the shelter was a bit stuffy and stifling. So I made my move to the tentsites. Hank and Froggie Pete followed suit; when Blue arrived, she joined us. I miss Ursa's presence but she'll catch me in Duncannon where I'll be waiting at the famous Doyle Hotel.What a beautiful evening it has been. Supper was superb, conversation was witty, goodwill and smiles were the main entree. Life is good, even if I am missing Rochester's magnificent fireworks display. Happy Fourth everyone. May we continue to cherish the freedom and opportunities we oftentimes take for granted in America. Let's always remember those not so fortunate and work together to live in peace within and beyond our geographical borders. God bless the World!