AT 85 - 19th June (1105.5)

 Pine Grove Furnace State Park

I forgot to say that I moved into Pennsylvania yesterday, another state down. 

Also I think I never mentioned the issue with being up early and being the first person on trail. It’s the spiders webs, or more precisely spiders thread across the trail. They all seem to be head hight and you run right into them. They tickle and you are constantly wiping your face. 

Now today was a day of firsts again. 

We passed the actual halfway mark or marks. There is one for 2023 actual distance then there’s one for the original distance and even one that someone made up. Also passed 1100 miles sign. 

The next first was coming head to head with a timber rattle snake. More precisely my foot nearly stepped on its head. It rattled and scared the crap out of me. I jumped back and then took photos. It was on the path so I moved it into the bushes with my poles. I’m with Huw, I never want to see one again. One’s enough. Well done St. Patrick for chasing them all out of Ireland. 

Got to Pine Grove Store where there’s the half gallon ice cream challenge to celebrate half way point. I managed to eat it in 24 mins and keep it down. 

Shared a camping spot in the park with Pub and Zen. It was such a hot day I went for a swim in a lake with a beach and lifeguard. Then had a hot shower back at camp. As I walked around the campsite I talk to anyone who wanted to talk. All interested in the AT. Talked to 4 camper van’ers and a church group of three dads and loads of kids. 

Another half way

Rattle snake

1100 miles

1/2 gallon challenge

New half way