Alec Kennedy shelter

 Just shy of 16 miles but can feel it tonight, back tight and can't wait to stretch out and get warm in my sleeping bag. Very cold night ahead. Reflecting on the hikers I've met, it's clear that the trail attracts many different people, but it mostly brings out the goodness in folks, a shared camaraderie and caring. This is my community, this is my church.

 Didn't sleep that well at hostel, raining heavily during the night, misting in morning and a 9am departure when rain finally ended, except a few sprinkles in the first few hours. Wet trail, rocky in patches, long lunch after 9 miles at store just off trail on Rt PA34. Picked up some hand warmers (nod to So Far So Good). Sun and clouds, warming up then cooling quickly, more up and down and rocky stretches, including several "rock mazes" fun to navigate but tiring and slowing me down. I encountered lots of day hikers, including two mid 50s women Jere and Jul (short for Juliet) out for long walks today. I assumed they were both heading back to cars nearby. I pressed on, up and down and getting tired. Finally to shelter after 6, long day, shelter empty since a bit remote and it will be freezing tonight, wind picking up and getting cold. Walked down for water and started cooking, just about to eat when I was startled by Jul walking in. She was doing 20 miles, looking fresh and springlike and clean despite the muddy trail, walking back home to Boiling Springs 4 miles away. Impressive. She said she does it routinely, might do the AT when she retires. 

They had been having a morbid ironic discussion with Jul (on right) telling Jere she should donate her beautiful hair before she died. Jere thought it premature to be talking about her death at 54 ( though she had once cut it short to do just that). 





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