Trail Letter 10: 5/16

20.6 saturated miles today. The Playhouse was hard to leave this morning, thanks to the steady waterworks outside. We finally rolled out at about 9:45 and decided to find some dry and coffee, so we pulled over at JC’s Country Diner, which was a coffeeshop more than a diner.

The lady running the show there was also being a mommy of her 22 month old girl, and she was very eager to share the changes (pros and cons) brought on with a child of your own. After a cup of coffee, a veggie wrap, conversation, and playing with the kid, CrazyLegs and I braved the rain for our trek through farmlands — about 12-13 miles today were through PA fields. I crossed the interstate a couple of times, stopping each time to coerce a trucker into honking at me, as well as getting some waves from passers-by.

CrazyLegs was battling shin splints today, so I hiked alone most of the day. My shoes are mostly for show anymore, but I’m getting new ones tomorrow in Duncannon — my feet were aquatic creatures today.

At the shelter are four older (40s-50s) people — 2 couples who shared some wine and taught us how to play “Back Alley Bridge”. I had a stroke of beginner’s luck and won — it’s an alright game. They have a dog named Bogey who’s been nice to pet… I’m not gonna write an entry for the 4.1 miles we’re doing into Duncannon tomorrow — it will be cold and wet though! Yay!