Copperhead snakes and runaway goats (day 89)

My friends dropped me off at Duncannon Church this morning. The trail ran through town and crossed the Susquehanna River before entering the forest again. There was an uphill climb to start the day, and at the top there were power lines and a view of the water below.

A fugitive from Duncannon

There was a field of rocks at the overlook, and I sat on one to take a break and have a quick snack. I was surprised when some hikers called me one day and told me that a goat had appeared from above the rock ledge. Sure enough, here came a goat, sniffing and licking our outstretched hands. She was very friendly, indicating that she was used to humans and was probably not feral.

We hung out with her for a few minutes and I was impressed by how photogenic she was. When I was packing my bag to leave, she followed me to the rocks and seemed particularly interested in my Cheeto bag. But I shooed her away and continued on my way. Some quick research online indicates that she and another goat (her partner in crime?) commonly hang out on the rocks. Apparently, they are runaways from a local Duncannon residence and have a taste for freedom.

Copperhead at Kinter View

The next major stop of the day was Kinter View, just off the trail. It is known to be home to poisonous snakes and it did not disappoint. Although I didn’t see a bunch of rattlesnakes sunning themselves on the rocks (as some claim), a lone Copperhead lay in a bed of pine needles. I think it’s the only snake present on the AT that I hadn’t seen yet and I was very excited.

On the way to camp, I passed a snakeskin hanging from a tree branch. Another sign of those who live among us. I pitched my tent next to Clark’s Creek, next to a hiker I hadn’t seen since the first night on Springer Mountain.

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