Today was a long day. It started with yet another porcupine. This one, however, was under the privy at the shelter, and so needless to say, I did not use the privvy this morning.

There was no water between Clark’s Ferry shelter and the spring that I camped at tonight, resulting in a 13 mile day. The trail was moderate, mostly running along the ridge. Not much change in elevation, but about 50% rocks, and 50% soft path. This kind of path is hard on your feet

When I got to this location, the spring was beautiful, piped, cold, and swarming with mosquitoes. For the first time I had to use my mosquito repellent wipes, but now they’re not bothering me. I was able to take a sponge bath since I’m the only one here.

Tomorrow is going to be a long day as well. I need to make it to Roush gap shelter, which will result in another 13 mile day, and there’s a big descent, and ascent  in front of me.

This is definitely a hard part of the trail. Not much water, lots of rocks, and long distances between shelters. Pray for me.

Today’s mileage: 13.1

Total trail miles: 141.6

While I was still at Pine Mountain shelter, about 1 AM, the resident porcupine decided to scratch the wall next to my bunk in the shelter. Porcupines are prolific diggers, and this one was no exception. I chased him away with a lighter rock only to hear him begin scratching at the privy a few minutes later. So I went over there and chased him away as well. He was large, but not very threatening.

The descent into Duncannon was rough. Duncan itself is a relatively poor town. I was able to pick up my resupply box and get a sandwich at mama Pat’s. The climb out of Duncannon was rough, lots of rocks. The trail was not well-maintained with lots of obstacles. It was switchback, a large tree had fallen across both the lower and the upper tracks walking to parts of the trail with a single tree. What’s up on the ridge, the trail follows the actual ridge, which is quite rocky and rough, not well marked.

After several retracts, I was able to arrive at Clarks ferry shelter. Shortly after I arrived, we had a pretty good rain storm. It cool things off and it was nice. Water here is good, but water for the next 40 miles or so. It’s going to be very sparse. Be careful to make sure we don’t run out. I will get up early in the morning and make a long day to see if we can make it to the second shelter.

Not a nice day today.

Today’s mileage: 9.2

Total trail miles: 128.5