Walked the day with Aussie today, whom I've walked quite a bit with over the last couple of days. Had the shelters (2 on one site) all to ourselves last night--the thru-hiker void continues. Another beautiful day of walking in PA--perfect cool weather, very nice trail, and an awesome nap this afternoon in Caledonia State Park next to a creek.
Tumbling Run
This day did not get off to a good start. Just Aussie and I in the shelter last night, so we started walking together in the morning until suddenly I smashed my big toe into a small stump hidden beneath weeds right alongside the trail. It was the first real casualty since hiking in sandals for 300+ miles…
Ensign Cowall
A really nice stretch of trail today got my spirits back up, though my backpack continues to fight me for a comfortable hike, more now with my incredible shrinking waist! I caught a welcome shower on the trail at the Dahlgren backpacker shower facility before heading up the trail to check out the Washington Monument.
Crampton Gap
Slept in, ate breakfast down the street, and ended up staying with Footloose at the hostel until 1:30 in the afternoon lounging a bit, helping the owners put in some air conditioning units, and trying to gather motivation for the upcoming 2nd half of the trip. Left in the afternoon heat after a nice pint of Ben and Jerry's--our payment for helping out--and headed out for a short day.
Harper's Ferry
Little tired this morning after yesterday’s long hot day through the Rollercoaster, but it feels great to move on to Harper’s Ferry. For the first time, I really feel as though I’ve gotten somewhere seeing the big Shenandoah River for the first time and later in the day crossing the Potomac River.
Blackburn
Hot day = tough day. Temps close to 90 today and very humid, just in time for us to tackle the “Rollercoaster”—a series of about 10 sharp PUDs over a stretch of roughly 14 miles. In short, the Rollercoaster can be described as steep up, steep down, repeat.
Rod Hollow
Not much great fun stuff to report today folks. Hot, humid day listening to the seemingly ever-present white-noise droning of the 17-year cicadas all afternoon. Another night in the shelter with the usual suspects. Tomorrow to a hostel, and then to Harpers Ferry and the 1000-mile mark.