“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.
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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!
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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!
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We entered the woods again, and encountered our second view in Pennsylvania — a nice view of Duncannon and the Susquehanna River.
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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.
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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.
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And my room isn’t too shabby either!
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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!