@ 40.2444, -77.1010
Near mi 1130.6

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=40.24437,-77.10099

Today we hiked down into the Cumberland Valley.   The trail crosses the valley over to the next set of ridges moving to the north east.  Did 12 miles of hiking was on relatively flat ground near farms and through woods. Arrived at Carlisle, PA by about 2 PM.  There’s no shelter here, so I’m holed up in a motel for the night and it’s back on the trail tomorrow.

Tomorrow should be a tough one. Going back up onto the ridge and hiking almost 14 miles to get to the next shelter.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #8 (3/27/17)
Start – Alec Kennedy Shelter 1117.7
End – Carlisle, PA 1129,5
Today’s mileage: 11.8
Total section miles: 106.4
Total miles on AT: 626.4
Avg daily miles (section 4) – 13.3

The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.
― Lucille Ball

Today was another big one, even after doing a 20 miler yesterday.  The first half of our hike was without packs (slack-packing) thanks 🙏 to Spiro, who drove them to the Green Mountain Deli after dropping Jag Happy and me off at Pine 🌲 Grove Furnace.  That 8 miles was a breeze!

After donning our packs, it got tougher.  The trail went up onto a ridge and into boulder land.  Yikes!

We’re hunkered down for the night at the shelter out of the rain ☔️.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #7 (3/26/17)
Start – Pine Grove Furnace 1102.5
End – Alec Kennedy Shelter 1117.7
Today’s mileage: 15.2
Total section miles: 94.6
Total miles on AT: 614.6
Avg daily miles (section 4) – 13.5

Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Check this one off the bucket list.  I hiked 20 miles today going southbound from Pine Grove Furnace to route 30.  We got a ride to Pine Grove Furnace and hiked back to the hostel with just a day pack. It was a warm day too.

Passed the mid-point of the AT along the way.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #6 (3/25/17)
Start – Pine Grove Furnace 1102.5
End – Trail of Hope Hostel 1082.5
Today’s mileage: 20.0
Total section miles: 79.4
Total miles on AT: 599.4
Avg daily miles (section 4) – 13.2

The difference in winning & losing is most often, not quitting.
– Walt Disney

The hike today was shorter and ended up at a hostel for the night. Went to Walmart and resupplied. Also got a hot shower (yea!!!) and did laundry.

Started out in the rain and cold, but the weather cleard up nicely. Stopped for lunch in a great spot.

The trail went on and off the ridge with some crazy climbs.

Tomorrow I’m getting a ride up the trail and hiking 20 miles back to the hostel without my pack (slack-packing).  OMG 😲 I hope I can make it, but a 20 mile day is on my to-do list.  Wish me luck…

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #5 (3/24/17)
Start – Tumbling Run (PA) 1072.9
End – Trail of Hope Hostel 1082.5
Today’s mileage: 9.6
Total section miles: 59.4
Total miles on AT: 579.4
Avg daily miles (section 4) – 11.9

A ship is always safe at the shore, but that is NOT what it is built for. – Albert Einstein