Friendsylvania: Hiking on Your Own Ground

W.V.

I entered Harper’s Ferry on my birthday and, in my opinion, I was officially in «close to home» territory. I live in southeastern Pennsylvania and grew up in New Jersey, so I was finally within a reasonable driving distance of friends and family. Stopping at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters was a highlight. I really wanted to fill up on water, but the tap water in the entire town was not drinkable at that time due to some municipal works that were being carried out. Luckily, HQ had some water bottles that I was able to grab. I was the 397th hiker to register at headquarters this year!

I had a couple of lovely zeros at Harper Ferry with my boyfriend, although one of those zeros involved a twenty mile bike ride along the canal trail. I guess a girl has to cross the train. We also watched a storm roll in at a mountain brewery and spent time eating with other hikers. The morning he was leaving, my partner hiked with me for a couple of hours and we were both happy to experience a little bit of trail life together.

Walking towards PA

The end of Maryland is very, very rocky, but there are encouraging signs along the way. Even if your feet suffer blows, your spirit remains high.

After the horrible rocks, precursors of northern Pennsylvania, lies the charming Pen Mar Park, on the border of the two states. The park was practically empty the night I was there. I was able to enjoy the beautiful views, have dinner, refill water at the fountain, and even charge my phone from the bathroom outlet. It was a peaceful and much appreciated pause before officially crossing the Mason-Dixon line.

Old friends in new places

Once in Pennsylvania, I had three friends visit in one week. First, Lily picked me up and took us to a car camping campsite as her gear was not suitable for backpacking. I was spoiled with burgers and sausages cooked over the fire and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. It was a pleasure to stay up until after 11pm, full of food and in good company. Since the campground was along the AT, but a little north of where Lily had picked me up, I started the trail back where we were. This brought my hot yellow (car skipped) mileage on this trip to about 35 miles. My friend went hiking with me that morning and it was great to chat while he did work. However, the chatter distracted me and there were a couple of times I had to concentrate to find the next white flare.

Two days later, my partner’s uncle visited me and made me a steak with broccoli and potatoes in a parking lot. The most magical of trail magic. Once again, it was nice to take a break with great company and treat myself to some great food. After dinner, I had to walk only half a mile to find a campsite, which was lucky for my burst belly.

After that, another friend visited me just to walk. I went over eight miles before I found her and when I got to the parking lot where I was supposed to meet her, guess what! Trail magic! I was with Trail Angel for about 45 minutes before Beth arrived. What a pleasure to sit and chat. Beth and I walked 11 miles together and she was kind enough to let me leave my backpack in her car so we could cut those miles off. Then she took me to her house so I could return home.

I ended up going to my partner’s family reunion that weekend, taking a zero to enjoy time with those wonderful people. I was happy to be back in my own bed and shower two nights in a row! I also had to go to REI to buy new hiking gear, as I wanted clothes that better fit my ever-changing body. I also went up another half size in shoes.

Finishing PA

Northern Pennsylvania is definitely Rocksylvania and my feet have been feeling the impact. There are big boulder fields and «ankle breaking» minefields and everything difficult in between. Since I hate rock riots and don’t feel the need to make my life harder than necessary, I’m a big fan of detours that avoid the worst. Not all problems can be avoided, but I pay attention to FarOut’s feedback and do what I think is best for me. Doing your own hike also involves strategy!

PA has restaurants, shops, highways, and people everywhere, more than I experienced in other states. I think at one point I ate in a restaurant three days in a row. It then dries up, so water management requires some planning and thought.

I loved the pine forests of Pennsylvania, the closeness to my home, and the availability of resources. One of the best parts of PA was seeing Barbie the porcupine walking away from me on the road. However, it is strange to be back in society. When I’m on the road suffering, I dream of lying on my couch. When I’m on my couch, I miss the forest. I guess I have work to do in the field of mindfulness!

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