First 70 miles

 Left Harpers Ferry on April Fool's Day, sunny but windy, some sleet squalls at end, 11 miles to Crampton Gap shelter and a very cold night. Shared shelter with an older couple, Chip and Dale, experienced hikers (he did the AT in 1997; they tried the PCT in 2020, stopped due to COVID closures). Retired school teachers (her English, him chemistry, after a Navy career 20 years in nuclear subs) from NH with some stories to tell (kid who lost a dare and had to try to eat a filthy kitchen sponge, another kid electrocuted himself using alligator clips plugged into an outlet -- another stupid dare, but kid survived after CPR -- shop teacher did get fired)

Still cold and windy second day, long 16.5 to Pogo memorial campsite, just past Annapolis Rocks where I had camped 7 years ago. On the way met Rosy Eagle, at 80 starting his 4th AT. Another old and odd coot as bad as me  Lots of people out on a Saturday so I thought the next campsite would be better. Saw a rescue team pulling out an older hiker but no one knew details. Pogo turned out to have 2 boy scout groups and a bunch of others staying the night, so had to go up hill to rocky encampment. Another very cold night, freezing in the morning. But enjoyed dinner.

3rd day on to Pen Mar and the PA border, 14.5 miles, yet another cold day. But like last time I spent the night indoors in Cascade MD, but unlike the now closed place I stayed previously this was at a funky, filthy, but fun B&B in a tiny house with chickens everywhere and a blazing woodstove and a pizza shop around the corner.

Day 4 with rain forecast for overnight pushed hard 18 rocky miles to Rt 30. Lunch was at Deer Lick shelters, which features snoring and non-snoring options.

And then .8 mile road walk to Thru It All ministries, the same church hostel I stayed 7 years ago, now much expanded. And 40 years ago it was a grocery. After a lovely night inside warm and cozy, I did a short shuttle to 11 miles north and walked back to wait out the next 2 rainy days