Through Maryland and on to Pennsylvania 

So I don’t have a lot of time or a computer to do this on, but I knew I had to give a quick update. Spending six days in DC completely remove me from the trail. When I got back on, I didn’t know anyone. This was all right, but different than in the beginning. Back then, no one knew anyone. We were all in the same boat. Now I’m the only one not in the loop.

This was only an issue immediately past Harpers Ferry. It didn’t take long before I started knowing some people. And just last night, I found Deadwood. We’ve been hiking on and off together for a while now. He was slowed down when his wife joined him in the Shenandoahs. 

My plan is to continue pushing larger miles so I can catch up to some other people. Portuguese for instance is only two days ahead. At the same time, I need to make sure I don’t hurt myself. The rocks here in Pennsylvania are starting to get bad, and I’m not even in the part that people say is really terrible.

Currently I’m in the Doyle. It’s an old, rundown hotel, and the only reason I’m staying is because it’s famous in thru hiker culture. The first floor has a bar and a small kitchen. There’s also a pool table. Above that you climb up three rickety stairways to get to your room. There’s no frills, and I was a bit unsure if the sheets were washed. I didn’t see signs of bed bugs, and that’s the really important thing. I also wore my crocs in the shower. The views from my window this morning were awesome though. Overall, it’s the best dive I’ve stayed in. 

The next few days are a bit of a mystery. The elevation changes aren’t bad, but the terrain could prevent me from doing the larger miles. I also won’t be staying in many towns as there aren’t many great places to stop. In warmer weather this isn’t much of an issue, as laundry can just air dry. I have no idea when or where the next post will be, so sit tight.

-Orion