Quit grousing around...

6/2/08 - Caught a ride back to Pa. 944 with my Dad - who commutes to Philadelphia each week. Luckily Amos had left off near where the AT crosses the turnpike - completely unplanned but perfect timing!

• 3 hr trip back tempered by a morning cup of joe & plenty of conversation about deer hunting, park rangers & I imagine a few embarrassing stories about me in braces & rocking big 80's hair. Dropped off at trail around 11.
• Hiked up a mountain to Darling Shelter & used the largest privy he's encountered so far on the trail. Not to worry, he didn't fall in - it was just a really big building - too much empty space.
• Then off to Cove Mountain Shelter to: gaze beyond the overlook, tear up an afternoon snack (cheesy bean & rice burrito I believe), and be eaten alive by mosquitoes.
• Back on the trail (once the mosquitoes had their way with him) he became the target of an overly territorial grouse that came charging at him - feathers ruffled! Luckily this wasn't his first encounter with trail wildlife & he instinctively fell back on his trusty trekking poles for protection. Once the bird -mesmerized by the swift sticks- stopped rushing, he thought it best to move far & fast down the trail.
• On to Hawk Rock for a great view of Duncannon & the Susquehannah River.
• 13.5 mi. Arrived in Duncannon & just missed happy hour at the Post Office which closed at 4:30. He'll have to get his new shoes in the morning... said the left sole on his 1st pair fell off this morning. Again, not too shabby on the timing!
• Paid $20 for a "mildly scary looking room" at Doyle Hotel - owned by Anheuser-Bush & over 100 years old! That's okay - they've got cheap beer, the Pens game & rumor has it... simply delectable cheddar cheese fries.