6/2
Another bear – early in the AM. Barely awake I lift my eyes off the trail and saw him right in front of me. He quickly took for cover. A lot of the trails through the park are cut into the mountain. Bears for some reason find it a lot easier to climb up or down to the trail to do their business.

Today is the most beautiful day I’ve had in some time. Last night was frigid – down in the 30’s. Today, however, is a high of 55 – perfect for hiking and clear blue skies to boot. Although a month of rain brings some problems, it also turbo boosts everything. Folks are telling me that they are seeing wild flowers in an unusual abundance. What a beautiful sight.

So many places to eat in this park. You can time it so you make three meals in a day – a nice treat – to pig out. Tomorrow there is three days to Harpers Ferry.

6/6
Staying at Blackburn AT center, one day from Harpers Ferry. Hanging with the “Hiking Viking” from Denmark and “Spiderman”. It rained so hard two nights ago – I thought the shelter was going to wash away. Never saw a wall of rain like that in my life. Beautiful day tomorrow? More rain – party in Harpers Ferry.

6/9
Left Harpers Ferry today. Hiked 25 miles – tired. They call Harpers Ferry the emotional mid-way, just shy of half way. Pictures of me in front of ATC Headquarters. What a neat town, worth paying a visit to (pictures of me, Spiderman and Trog).

6/12
Bugs are bad – pulling tics off of me everyday. Hasn’t rained for two days – Praise the Lord. Crossed the Mason-Dixon Line two days ago. Crossing the mid-way point today at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Hike three more miles and become a member of the 1/2-Gallon Club. Ice cream is sold at the park. The challenge is to eat a 1/2-gallon as quickly as possible with hopes of breaking the record. Probably won’t attempt it. 1/2-Gallon – 1/2-way reason to celebrate. Off to Boilng Springs.

6/15
What a beautiful day. Temperature dropped overnight – probably about 70 degrees no humidity. Every so often you come across a town that embodies the spirit of America. Duncannon, PA is one such town. A tired little town where everybody knows everybody. I’ve never been met so graciously in my life. Trail Angels Mary & Frog help hikers with their needs by feeding them well and giving them goodies to go. They will keep you company at the bar if need be to show you how to properly poor and drink fine American crafted beverage. The Doyle Hotel Bar & Restaurant is a true gift. Never find a building with so much character.

Thank you Mary & Frog for all your help and all the folks at the Doyle. Bless you all. I’ll be down with friends to party after my hike.

For more information on this portion of the trail, visit the:
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club
http://www.patc.net/index.htm
Mountain Club of Maryland
http://www.mcomd.org/
Cumberland Valley AT Club
http://community.pennlive.com/cc/cvatc
York Hiking Club
http://www.angelfire.com/pa2/yorkhikingclub/MAINPAGE1.htm
Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club
http://www.libertynet.org/susqatc/
Allentown Hiking Club
http://www.allentownhikingclub.org/
Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club
http://www.bmecc.org/
Appalachian Mountain Club
http://www.outdoors.org/
Batona Hiking Club
http://www.members.aol.com/Batona/
Wilmington Trail Club
http://www.wilmingtontrailclub.org/