I need to slow down!

So after two weeks and 200 miles of riding, my body is getting used to the weight of the pack, the miles, and the routine. However, it also lets me know that if this is a long-term commitment, I’d better take it easy before putting in any big miles.

Week 1: I averaged 15.4 miles per day, right on my goal. Week 2: I averaged 13.5 miles per day, which seems a little light, but I’ve been kicking (and getting my butt kicked) off the rocks in Pennsylvania. It’s true that they come and go, but it’s still not a walk in the park. I’ve developed a nagging strain in my left foot/lower shin, which I now have to heal over about 80 more miles of rocky trail. I’ve been telling myself to slow down and take baby steps, which seems to work.

Anyway, here are some highlights from last week.

20 miles: It started raining as soon as my feet hit the trail and continued for the next 4 hours. I walked around in shorts and a t-shirt. I stopped at the next shelter to have lunch and change into my raincoat and waterproof skirt (very fashionable). “Scotch” told me it’s actually a skirt, since I wasn’t going to go commando underneath… I didn’t know!

Of course, it stopped raining almost immediately, but I left my rain gear on, just in case, and because I was getting approving looks along the way (see skirt above!).
Pretty easy hike, even through Boiling Springs.

I then arrived in Carlisle, PA to spend the night at the local Motel 6.

13.6 miles today. Giant honeybun and coffee for breakfast… breakfast of champions! Walking on the flat for 6.3 miles in 2 hours, I was flying. Met other hikers Upside, Hoot and Scotch-on-the-Rocks, very nice.

I arrived at the Cove Shelter and met Kneehigh, my first trail friend! We chatted and then called it a night.

Oh, and another snake today!

Duncannon!

Four miles in the morning to reach downtown Duncannon, PA. Great little trail town, with everything a hiker needs.

I picked up the resupply box at the USPS (thanks, honey!) and headed to the Doyle Hotel to drop off my gear. I visited the Kind-of-Outdoorsy Hostel to briefly resupply and catch up with my new trail companion, Kneehigh. Next up, a visit to Lindgren’s Brewery, where hikers get their first pint free, just for signing the trail register… Are you serious? I was in heaven. There was also Big Cheese, Milk Money, Lucky Charms, and a couple other hikers. All the hikers I meet are very friendly, even to newbies like me!

Then dinner at Doyle’s with Kneehigh. Then up to plan, prepare and blog.

Goodbye Duncannon.

Two miles out of town, before crossing the Clark’s Ferry Bridge, which crosses the Susquehanna River. Then up, up and up, towards the forest. And it was raining, boo! Table Rock offered beautiful views.

Most of the day it was pretty cloudy, kind of surreal. I stopped at Peter’s Mountain Shelter, where I met Spike, Cupcake, and another hiker. Mainer was there too…seems like we have almost the same schedule.

18 miles today. The early morning rain woke me up. It wasn’t “supposed” to rain. I even left my raincoat hanging on a tree to dry overnight… very beneficial! Maybe 60 for the temps, which was pretty good.

I met up with Gator and Pancake at the shelter. Mainer and I made a tent. Rumor has it there is a resident timber rattlesnake under the shelter… Sweet dreams, guys!

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