Wednesday, April 20th

The Town’s Inn (1026.1 mi) to Pine Knob Shelter (1049.3 mi)

Hiking Miles: 23.2

Total Ascent: 4,074 ft

Total Descent: 2,931.8 ft

Total Grade: 303.7 ft/mi

Steps: 50,240

Not a bad night sleep except for the exceptionally squeaky beds (antique box springs) and the trains rumbling past just outside our window. I brewed a pot of coffee in the room, drank a few cups, then we packed up our gear and left the inn by 8 am. Grimes offered to make us steak & eggs but we were so ready to trek out and cross into Maryland. It started out as a beautiful clear day, brisk, and one optimal for hiking.

We were just a few short strides until we reached another state – Maryland. We walked over the foot bridge and timed it so we could watch the train rumble and zip by. It was the same sound we heard several times during the night, as trains carrying supplies passed through Harpers Ferry.

During the late morning, we met a woman named “Spice” hiking in the opposite direction and who had thru-hiked the AT last year. She was explaining that during her AT hike, she broke 2 bones (in half) in her right leg, and willed herself off the mountain. She was moving better this year and had lots of energy. She was hiking a particular section of the trail this year, almost daily to regain her endurance. Spice lived close by, and she told us about Gathland State Park which was not too far away. She recommend it would be a quaint place to stop for a lunch break, so we did.

In the park, I believe there was an historical battle ground. We climbed the original Washington Monument (34 steps – not as big obviously as the current one in DC) and enjoyed the gorgeous views from the top.

We had a few plans regarding where we may end up for the day, affording us the option to “Pivot” as we saw fit. We ultimately chose to hike 23.2 miles (overall) to the Pine Knob Shelter and set up camp. Lifeguard and Spoon were already there along with another hiker (we sometimes forget to ask for trail names), and a pack of late arriving campers (a large group) who looked like Girl Scouts.

We ate mac & cheese mixed with instant mash potatoes for dinner – it was thick, filling and delicious (Mac & Cheese Bomb??). At this point, we definitely needed to resupply. I called Teresa, sent Tarryn some pics and videos, and called it a night.

Overall, it was a pleasant day – cool temps and we didn’t require jackets. I personally felt really strong, as I am finding after getting a good night’s rest in a bed. Tomorrow’s goal is to hit the 200-mile mark and to cross into Pennsylvania. Today we decided on our trail names for this section of the AT: “Pivot” (Rich) and “Leif” (Stevie). I chose Pivot because we had been flexible with our daily hiking plans and pivoted as necessary. Pivot also happened to be one of Teresa’s favorite words. Stevie’s decision to choose “Leif” was a much better story: Leif Erikson was a famous European explorer (more like a Viking) who is associated with Wisconsin (close to Minnesota), but he in fact actually discovered North America about 500 years before Christopher Columbus. Ironically, he had two brothers and a sister, but that had no bearing whatsoever on Stevie choosing “Leif”. It more appropriately tied with our numerous conversations we had regarding “leifing” the trail! Stevie also kept shaking off leaves he speared with his trekking poles, so that sealed the deal!