Sunday, April 24th

Iron Masters Mansion (1105.0 mi) to Lisa’s Hostel, Boiling Springs, PA (1124.3 mi)

Hiking Miles: 19.4

Total Ascent: 2,904.5 ft

Total Descent: 3,308..4 ft

Total Grade: 323.0 ft/mi

Steps: 44,458

I was up early (surprise, surprise – but mainly because I couldn’t sleep with all the snoring going on in the bunk room) so I chilled on the couch in the Mansion’s living area. When Stevie got up, we grabbed some toast and coffee, packed up our stuff and got a 7:30 am start on trail.

At one point during our morning, we met a very generous and lovely Indian family (husband, wife and mother) resting at a stream where we stopped for a refill and a rest break. They gave us cookies, apple slices and a flaky pastry – Awesome trail magic! The family was from Pennsylvania, and the man explained that he was 53 years old and recently retired. He talked about some of their traveling they did together since his retirement – Sedona, AZ, Niagara Falls, etc., and how they thoroughly enjoyed hiking together on day trips on the AT.

Today’s terrain involved a few tough climbs but there were some pleasant straightaways along farm country which was welcoming. I had to remove my blue mid-layer shirt because I began to sweat. Stevie called ahead to reserve a spot at Lisa’s hostel and we were subsequently picked up by Lisa in Boiling Springs at 5:30 pm, across from the Post Office.

It was interesting that a guy named “The Bear”, who spotted us walking in the road, purposely turned his car around and stopped to chat with us. He was inquiring to see if he could shuttle us somewhere. He actually knew Lisa (he had stayed in her trailer for 4 nights/days at her hostel) and said he could take us to her place. Lisa then quickly pulled into a small lot where we threw our stuff in the back of her car and off we went.

When we arrived at her home, Lisa got us settled into the bunkhouse (converted shed). In their backyard, a rather large Asian family were visiting and enjoying a cookout. Lisa’s husband Sean was manning the grill, and they offered us Bruschetta with crackers, and other baked treats. We were the only two hikers in the bunkhouse (there was space for 4+) that also had a fridge, toaster oven, two bunks and a small eating table and chairs. We ordered pizza, chicken fingers, and broccoli & cheese bites from a take-out menu on the table. We also bought two beers (our first beers on trail and they were amazing!) and cokes from Lisa.

Later that evening when their guests departed, Stevie and I joined Sean, Lisa, their son Remington, and their four dogs Patriot (F) Max (M), Kimber (F) and Angel (F) on their patio. We engaged in an interesting conversation about hiking, rock climbing, the series Yellowstone (Lisa loved Rip) and other various topics. We also shared some of our pizza and chicken with the dogs who were all so well behaved.

Later we showered, made calls, sent Tarryn some media, journaled, then went to sleep in our lower bunks.