Date: 2008-05-18
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Stealth site 2.7 mi before Peters Mtn Shelter PA
Miles today: 9.8

Happy Birthday Rachael I hope you partied down with your family!Well, no bad dreams last nite, but I did forget to mention something funny from yesterday. When Incessant and I walked back to the Stardust Motel, (this is the kind of place that have people living there too), we about died laughing because there were these little kids playing outside, and when we walked up, we saw this little boy totally peeing on the tires of a truck parked in front of the motel! It was hilarious.Ok on to today. Our plan to stay dry was out the window within minutes today. We got a shuttle back to the Gulf Station @ 8:45 a.m. We picked up a few snacks and downed some yummy Starbucks Espresso Drinks. It was raining before we even left the motel though, and we knew we needed to get moving because Incessant has to get back and prepare for her summer courses that she's teaching, so we figured we'd make the best of it.We stepped off around 9:30 a.m., and finally saw the infamous Doyle Hotel. All we know is that we're 99% for sure we made a good choice going to the Stardust, considering of course what we wanted @ the time. I have not been inside, they were closed, but it looked like the kind of establishment that many small towns have that thrive off of reputation. I'm sure it would be fine, so please don't get the impression I'm knocking the place. Anyway, we hiked through town and saw yet another yard with a life-sized Grizzly Bear statue. Got a good pic of Incessant acting scared of it.Then it was over the Juniata River (it's pouring by now by the way), and then a hilarious sign on the corner advertising that this nearby pub was the last place to get alcohol until Port Clinton, PA. We headed on and hiked over the Susquehanna River via the Clarks Ferry Bridge. It was pretty cool, but the rain was coming down and it was again, 52 degrees...yuck!We finally made it to the woods and started the climb up Peters Mt. It was a bit steep in places, but man did we hit some rocky areas. This climb would have been challenging, but add to it temps now dropping into the upper 40's, rain like crazy and wind so strong, rain was blowing sideways at times. IT SUCKED!! It was absolutely miserable for awhile. Incessant and I were shooting for Clarks Ferry Shelter to eat lunch, but we were both cold and needing food, so we found a huge rock cliff to sit under and that blocked the wind. By now the rain had stopped for now, but we both added more layers. We did enjoy a great lunch leftover from dinner @ the Ranch House Restaurant, Chicken Alfredo with broccoli! this stuff must have added 10lbs to Incessant's pack, but it sure tasted great!We got more layers on and headed out again. Around 12:30, the weather finally broke and spots of sun came out. Man, what a relief. We had started seriously contemplating trying to do the 16 miles to the car if the weather didn't improve.We got to Clarks Ferry Shelter and got water. The sun was out now, so we took our raingear off. 2 section hikers showed up, they're from AZ.We headed on and the trail went from rocky to dirt to rocky, but it was all very slippery from the rain. One spot required us to throw our poles down and use our hands to climb down rocks. This was all on a ridge, so you never know what you'll get.We had a nice view of the Susquehana River @ one point, and I scared 2 deer. Other than that, the only wildlife was a little toad I picked up.Today was mainly about trying to stay warm. We decided it just wasn't feasible to go 16 miles, so we'd shoot for a stealth site before the next shelter. The terrain did not look good for that option all day on this ridge, it was very steep and rocky to the sides of the trail.The big philosophical conversation for the day was whether or not spit has a taste or is it neutral? Gross I know, but we decided the brain won't "taste" spit because it's been tasting it ever since day 1 of life, so it "appears" to be non-tasting. Sure am glad we have time to figure these important things out.We kept plugging along and despite the fact the rain stopped, it became cloudy-ish again and the wind just picked up like crazy again. I was worried a thunderstorm was coming, but it didn't. It was just scary strong wind that eventually stopped.We got to the pedestrian bridge that crosses PA 225 and met a family in the parking lot by it. I told them about hiking the trail, they had questions. Then we followed the trail which thankfully led to the non-windy side of the ridge. By now it was 6:15 p.m., and I could tell Incessant was pretty tired. Miraculously, a small area suitable for stealth camping appeared. I checked it out, and told her this was home for the nite. We were both looking forward to putting warm dry clothes on.We started setting up and the first thing Incessant did was put on a dry shirt. She's standing there topless and "bathing" with a wet wipe and wouldn't you know it, 3 hikers (all guys) hike by and at least 2 of them saw her! LOL I was laughing so hard, as was she. We got camp set up, dinner was mac n cheese, and it started cooling off quickly. Incessant went over to add another shirt and change pants, and I swear, we hadn't seen anyone all evening and once again, a guy hiker goes by! I could NOT believe it. Everytime she decided to change clothes, someone showed up! So, the moon is full tonight, we are protected from the sometimes howling wind, but it's so cold, I can't feel my fingers anymore, so I've got to end this. Only 7.5 miles tomorrow to Incessant's car, and we're back in a motel for the next 2 nites, then she'll drop me off and I'll start pumping out some miles. I've had a wonderful re-enry conditioning period, so I feel up to getting down to business now. Well, gotta water the leaves, and get bundled up. It's freakin COLD!      ~Certain