MD/PA hike, day 5

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2015
Start: Pine Grove Furnace State Park/Ironmasters Mansion Hostel
End: Allenberry Resort Inn and Playhouse/Boiling Springs
Mileage: 19.2 (+0.4 for Allenberry)

I had a relatively good night sleep at the hostel, though the exit sign glowed very brightly. I was mostly awake by 5am but made myself drowse until 6:20am. I was up and ready to go by 6:30am. One of the caretakers came downstairs at 6:45am to set out breakfast. I ate and hit the trail by 7:15am.

Today's terrain was mostly flat and gentle. There were some sections with rock scrambles but overall, it was easy. Water was readily available. Today, I climbed Pole Steeple (1300') and Center Point Knob (1060'). I passed by James Fry/Tagg Run Shelter and Alex Kennedy Shelter.

I arrived in Boiling Springs at 3:15pm. I visited the ATC Mid-Atlantic Regional Office and then headed to Allenberry Resort Inn and Playhouse, only 0.4 off the AT. Allenberry had space for me and housed me in a nice double room for only $40, hiker rate. I got dinner at their restaurant; they kindly made me a veggie pasta dish, despite having nothing on the menu that was veggie other than a side salad.

MD/PA hike, day 4

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2015
Start: Rocky Mountain Shelters
End: Pine Grove Furnace State Park/Ironmasters Mansion Hostel
Mileage: 22.8

I was up by 6:30am this morning and on the trail by 7:15am. It rained until around 2am this morning, providing a nice white noise for my sleep. I was alone in the shelter, with two fellows hammocking nearby. It was a peaceful night's rest, all said and done. On the trail in the morning, there was residual rain falling off the trees and bushes for a while. The sun peaked out from behind clouds by mid morning and quickly dried everything out.

Today, I went over several unnamed 2000'+ points on the trail, as well as the official 2015 mid point of the AT. Today's trail was very smooth and had very little in the way of elevation, which allowed me to get to my destination by 3:50pm.

My encouragement for the last few miles was the Pine Grove General Store, which I was told closes at 4pm, rather than 5pm like the guidebook says. On the recommendation of a passing SOBO, I called up the store and asked them to wait for me, in case I arrived past 4pm. The woman was very kind and since the grill closes down at 3:45pm, offered to make me something while I hiked to her. She made me a delicious veggie wrap (with lots of avocado!) and was full of helpful advice. Her kindness made my day. Additionally, a father and his ~10 year old daughter provided me tips on water sources from here to Port Clinton. The hostel here will be open tonight, even though they are set to be closed on Tuesday nights; I called from the shelter last night to check. I'm looking forward to a shower and clean clothes.