Warning: The next post is a conglomeration of the last few days, all mixed together like the Wizard of Oz Tornado! Enjoy the trip!
A day of route:
“You can go up 16 tomorrow or 20,” Junkyard said.
I walked 17 today, so I thought, «Let’s try 20!» (Note that it was only day six!)
I woke up and of course it was raining!! Before this girl from Georgia came here, they had too many dry days… You’re welcome, Pennsylvania!
The first three miles were easy hills and I met The Librarian. We walked together to Pine Grove Furnace. I was doing a 100 mile hike.
We split up at Pine Grove Furnace because she wanted to participate in the famous Half Gallon Ice Cream Challenge at the general store.
The next 0.8 miles through the park were flat, beautiful, and had a creek running through them.
Keep in mind that Mother Nature may always have a trick up her sleeve…and today she was waiting for ME!!!
I didn’t see another person from mile 3 to mile 12!
At mile 12, I ran into Alex, Anna, The Boss, and Bullseye filtering water next to a beautiful stream.
We chatted for about two minutes and then I moved on.
At that point, I knew something called The Rock Maze would be approaching in just a few miles.
«Don’t worry about it. You’re small and you’ll be fine! There’s a path around it if you need it.»
Then my baby hiker brain imagined a small version of the corn maze at Callaway Gardens.
«I have this.»
Shit, Batman!!
THIS is the Rock Maze?
«Junkyard… you have some explaining to do!!»
I made it, but that horrible rock trail was the first to make my knee bleed.
At mile 16.2, I called Junkyard and told him I only had about 3 or 4 miles left.
I thought Boiling Springs was only four miles away and the whole way would be grass.
MISTAKEN!
More than five miles later, I finally saw the fields of wheat and corn! I thought I was going to cry with relief when I saw Junkyard waiting for me after 21.5 miles.
I limped into a pizzeria and we shared a pizza. I could only eat a portion and a half. It’s funny how much my appetite changes when I push myself beyond what I once thought possible.
Tomorrow I will walk a SHORT eight miles, go to REI to get my gear refitted (I don’t expect that expense!) and stay at the “Kind of Out Doorsey” shelter.
While I’m there, we’ll plan the next three days… and then Junkyard will «throw me out.» 😊
I can’t tell you how incredible this intersection with God has been.
This 85-year-old former Ridge Runner, who carries a flip phone and still filters water with drops of bleach and heats food in a can with denatured alcohol, is the trail angel God sent me.
Lesson learned from the pastor who runs this shelter:
«Listen to the Holy Spirit and He will show you exactly what this walk is meant to be for you. Every step you take forward is a victory and every step is a triumph.»
Day after:
After yesterday, I decided to take it a little easier!!!
After a little over 11 miles, Junkyard picked me up and we headed to REI. I bought a new quilt that weighs only one pound, which saves me carrying two pounds! I also bought new shoes with sturdier soles because the rocks in Maryland and Pennsylvania have completely eaten away at the old ones.
SO RUDE!
Afterwards, he took me to the Kind of Outdoorsy Hostel, where I will be staying tonight in preparation for my 18 mile hike tomorrow.
I’m sleeping in a bed called Hawk Rock! For anyone who knows me… you will understand! 😂
The highlight of my day was catching up with Tinker!!!
I passed him briefly yesterday, stopping to have a quick chat and making sure he was okay before finishing my walk.
Seeing him in front of me again today was such a blessing!!!
Tinker has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, and is now hiking the Appalachian Trail for the second time!
He missed about 150 miles on the Continental Divide, which he will return to finish. Once you do, you will officially become a Triple Crowner!
He turns 80 on July 12!
So please… set a reminder on your digital calendars for July 12. Go out, look down the path and shout:
“Happy 80th birthday, Tinker!!”
Wherever he is along the way, I’m sure he’ll feel all the love and good vibes of your birthday!!!
When we parted, he smiled and said:
“Let’s dance!!”
I think I could do it. ❤️
PS: Thank you, Trail Angel, for today’s trail magic!
Publication of the last day of lessons:
I’m going to change this update and start with the lessons I’ve learned!
Lesson one:
God is teaching me to let go of my due dates and checklists. He is encouraging me to plan and research, but if I am going to follow through with what He has for me, I have to let go of my own plans.
Because of that, I will be hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail, with the goal of getting off trail once I pass through New Jersey. From there…God will direct my steps.
Lesson two:
Be brave and do not fear. I need to feel His presence around me. Even though I can’t see every step in the next 20-odd days, He has already done it.
Lesson three:
I love thrifting and saving money! However, there are some things you just can’t buy the cheapest version of.
The first image is my low-tech bug barrier. It consists of a safety pin, two dryer sheets, and about a million bugs flying into my eyes, nose, and ears!!
Needless to say… I may be upgrading this particular computer. 😂
