Date: 2011-06-26
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Clarks Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: overcast clouds

The Doyle, Duncannon Pennsylvania, laundry, shower, food.Well no porcupines last night which is a shame, I have never seen one before, maybe later. Got going for the last four miles at 7 and was in town about 8:30. Had three things I needed to do, shower, laundry and get some knee braces. The outfitter turns out to be 11 miles out of town so that was going to be difficult. Was hoping to get those at the drug store to save time, which is about a mile away and on a road they don't suggest walking. But the grocery store actually comes and gets hikers at the Doyle and brings you back. A really great service they offer, problem is we had no idea when that was. The Doyle didn't open till 12 today so that would have to wait. First thing was breakfast, a few hikers there and I got some food after a really long wait. The waiter did not seem to want to be there and just wasn't very efficient. After getting some coffee he didn't take my order for 15 minutes but took others. Socks and Hoop joined me and ordered as well. Refills on coffee took for ever and when I got my food I had to go ask for siverware and he acted like that was actually a problem. Food was good other than the homefries where not cooked much but no ones where and I think that might just be how they do them. There where other issues but needless to say it wasn't the greatest dining experience. Afterwards I headed across the street for laundry, where Hoop gave me an extra shirt he didn't want. One less thing I possibly needed at the outfitter. Laundry was sorely needed as its been almost two weeks since actually doing real laundry. After that the Doyle was open, headed there and everyone checked in and sat around a while. Got the information on the shuttle which arrives at 4, next door to the store is a RiteAid where I hoped I could get the knee braces. By that time it was lunch time and the Doyle is known to have huge meals. Order a chili cheese fries which was huge but the chili was a bit runny, but still good and spicy. After that I talked to my mom and planned my next maildrop in Port Clinton, which will now include new shoes. She went and found the ones I want at a local place. That will put the current shoes at about 500 miles when I get there. Might squeeze out a few more miles before completely switching just so I only have to get one more pair later. Shower was next on the agenda and the Doyle charged $7.50 for a shower if you were not staying. I decided to wait and pay $3.50 on the other end of town on the way out. I then found out the outfitter is actually a canoe shop and doesn't even carry hiking stuff other than a few items that are used for both. Had a chance for a ride but that would of been useless. Muldoon did take the offer and had just ordered a beer and gave that to me. The shuttle arrived and after a trip there I got two knee braces, I hadn't mentioned it but my knee has been aching for a while and wrapping my ace bandage around the lower part has helped a lot. Decided to just get both, that makes my legs all braced up with the shin and knee, just need ankle braces now. Luckily my ankles have always been strong and have never had issues with them. Back to the Doyle, five o'clock and five miles to get to the next shelter, or I could just stay. 5:15 I am leaving, walking down the wrong road. Doh back to the Doyle, where I take the correct path and actually leave. Stop at the campsite at the edge of town and shower then head out for the last three miles. Easy walk and make it to the shelter around 8:30 and I am the only one, even at 11 while writing this. Very short day but due to town logistics it couldn't be helped. I made it out of town though without a zero and spending tons of money like everyone does there. Its now time to sleep for a possibly long day tomorrow.