06-22-13 Together in Port Clinton

Today we saw the Fort Dietrich Snyder Monument signifying were the lookout tower once was to warn of enemy presence during the French and Indian War.

Near PA 183 we stumbled into trail magic. While we drank our sodas and ate our Fruit-by-the-foot, we enjoyed a conversation with a Boy Scout family out for the weekend. With no effort on their part, they talked us into cheese fries at Port Clinton.

After lunch, the Appalachian Trail turned very rocky. We still made decent time, but our feet were tired and sore. We dragged down the final decent into Port Clinton around five o'clock.

The Port Clinton rail yard was a welcome surprise. They had large chunks of anthracite that we enjoyed climbing on.

Once in Port Clinton our first stop was cheese fries at the Port Clinton Hotel. After dropping off our gear in the local park, we headed over to Hamburg, Pennsylvania to the Cabela's and Wal-mart.

Back at the park we finished the evening by watching the fireflies under the moonlight.

06-21-13 Together for the Summer Solstice

The longest day of the year: the summer solstice was today. The Appalachian Trail brought us to an old iron bridge that had been converted from a railroad trestle over the Swatara Creek.

Hiked under Interstate 81 then slipped back into the woods. This section of the trail was overgrown. We wear our pant legs--instead of shorts--covered in Permertrin to protect us better from ticks.

We made it to the 501 Shelter a little after one o'clock and ordered a pizza. Since the shelter is close to Pine Grove, Pennsylvania (and a road for that matter) they're used to delivering. It is a really nice shelter and we relaxed there for several hours.

We continued on three more miles to our campsite. The guidebook listed water but none could be found. Instead, we hiked two more miles to Hertline Campsite. The water source was excellent and we enjoyed dinner down by the pond.

It was fun watching the wildlife in the pond--frogs, fish and even a snake. I definitely didn't have plans to get in the pond after we saw the snake!

06-20-13 Somewhere near the Coal Mines

The Appalachian Trail led us through old coal mining territory. Although none of the settlements exist anymore, we did see large piles of coal next to the trail. Also, the springs put off a yellowish color; needless to say, we avoided those water sources.

In the distance we could hear military planes flying over and artillery fired. We found out from a trail maintainer that an Army Base was nearby.

We got to camp early and enjoyed the evening with friends, Etch-a-Sketch, DNA, Shaman, Hangman, Danno and OB.

Appalachian Trail 101: Venomous Snakes

For our little buddy back in Alabama:

What are the two types of venomous snakes in Maryland, and what are the two physical characteristics to look for to distinguish it from non-venomous snakes?

We will post the answer next time we have wifi.

06-19-13 Somewhere north of the Susquehanna

Crossed the Susquehanna River today--the dirtiest river in the United States--and disappeared back into the woods.

Once back up on the ridge we had to manage our water due to a 13 mile stretch without water. Unfortunately, we wasted time hiking down the Susquehanna Trail to water we couldn't find. We were able to get water at the shelter half a mile more.

Met Stan preparing to hike southbound at PA 225; we stopped for a break and enjoyed a glass of ice cold water. A couple miles later we ate lunch at view atop Table Rock.

Set up camp for the night on an established campground at Clark's Creek with friends. I missed it, but there was also trail magic close by. B saved me a cold soda, cupcake and some mayonnaise-based pasta salad.

06-18-13 Together in Duncannon

Started our twelve mile roll into town early. The guidebook called for six mile stretch of "very rocky" trail. Thankfully, when we got to it, the section wasn't nearly as tough as some rocks we've seen.

Stopped and chatted at Hawk Rock for a moment and took in the view down at Duncannon, Pennsylvania. Arrived in town around 12:30, and stopped at the trail famous "Doyle". Had some lunch and beverage, then laundered our clothes.

Continued our walk through town and up to a campsite near the river; even nearer were the train tracks. Met up with DNA and his dad Stan. We all set up at the campsite and enjoyed a leisurely evening.

06-17-13 Somewhere in the farm fields of Pennsylvania

Recharged at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Mid-Atlantic Regional Office in the morning before heading north.

The terrain was nice and flat; through farm fields, forest and mulberry trees. At Conodoguinet Creek we made a U-turn. Literally, the trail called for a U-turn, and dipped back into the forest.

We stopped for the night at Darlington Shelter with plenty of room for tents. I got a little miffed when a group of people where heckling my bear bag hanging skills (or lack thereof). I merely found another tree away from them and hung it.