I just arrived near Smithsburg, Maryland at a hostel 3/10 of a mile from the AT. I have showered and am in the process of washing my clothes and have ordered lunch delivered from Vince’s New York Pizza in Smithsburg. This gives me a chance to refresh and knock some of the dirt off.
My time on the trail has gone well. I am a bit ahead of schedule for reaching Boiling Springs on the 14th. This morning I hiked in from Pine Knob shelter near US 40 and Greenbrier State Park. That is 8.2 miles. I hope to get near the Pennsylvania border this evening. I still have to dry my clothes, eat lunch, repack a bit and then I can take off. I should be back on the AT by 2:00 or so.
In general, things have gone well. I purchased food that was mediocre-I hope I can avoid doing that. But there have been numerous opportunities to get off the AT and get something to eat so I certainly haven’t suffered. I did just weigh myself and am down to 180 so I am 10-12 pounds below my normal weight. Unfortunately my normal weight is a bit heavy. I did let the phone discharge which is aggravating. But I only need that to call the shuttle driver and I most likely won’t have the need to do that since I see a clear shot into Boiling Springs, about 67 miles north of here. I still have 5 full hiking days plus this afternoon so that should be no problem.
Well, I’m glad I had this chance to blog from the trail itself. I expect to be back home in San Antonio on the 15th.