“There will always be rocks in the road ahead of us. They will be stumbling blocks or stepping stones; it all depends on how you use them”
~Frederich Nietzsche
May 31, 2022
AT miles: 11.4
Ascent: 984’
Descent: 1842’
Weather: low 90’s, sunny, and breezy
Sightings: a black snake
Hearings: Bob- white calls in the farm fields
High point: successfully navigating the steep rocky climb down to Duncannon
Today was a little bit crazy. I hiked 11 miles into Duncannon and retrieved my car from that stranger’s house. Then I drove Pam south to Penmar Park in Maryland and then drove myself up to a BnB near the route 309 Junction with the AT. All in all, I hiked 11 miles and drove for 4 1/2 hours. It was quite a day!
The trail was mostly wooded and rocky. To avoid twisting my ankle on the rocks I needed to really watch where I put each step.
We did spend some time walking through some hot but beautiful farm fields. They were full of wild roses and crown vetch and butter cups and the scent was wonderful!
When we entered the woods we saw lots of every hiker’s nemesis, poison ivy. In fact Pennsylvania generally has been full of poison ivy. I really haven’t noticed it in any of the more southern states but it unfortunately grows in abundance here!
We entered the woods again, and encountered our second view in Pennsylvania — a nice view of Duncannon and the Susquehanna River.
I had been dreading the infamous descent into Duncannon, but honestly the descent wasn’t as bad as I had been dreading. The uneven and very strangely angled rock steps helped, and while it was an incredibly steep descent it was not a rock scramble. Thankfully I had eaten most of my food so my backpack was probably only 20 pounds, which definitely helped the climax of the day to go successfully.
Duncannon is a sad old town, one that may have been nice at some point but now just seems old and decrepit. I walked a mile through the town, picked up the car, drove back and picked up Pam, and then did some serious driving. First I did 1 1/2 hours south to Penmar Park to drop off Pam (and help jumpstart her car) and then 2 1/2 hours north to a truly wonderful, luxurious B&B. It is in gorgeous country and just getting out of the car here was relaxing.
And my room isn’t too shabby either!
I have done laundry, re-packed my backpack, uploaded some blog posts, and generally organized my life. I am absolutely exhausted, but I am ready to head back to Duncannon tomorrow to hike back to my car!
Today is a great day for a long walk in the woods!
I’m glad you’re a well-organized hiker. What a busy, varied day you had. Hiking, driving, jump-starting a car, doing laundry, etc.
Hope you can get some serious sleeping in this night, Gwen!