Hiking through the lush forests of Pennsylvania, I embarked on Day 87 of my journey, determined to beat the heat and stay dry. The morning hike was a breeze, with the first 10 miles offering a mix of flat terrain and gentle downhill slopes, a welcome change from the rocky trails I've encountered elsewhere. My hiking buddy, Shooter, and I maintained a steady pace of around 3 mph, enjoying the tranquility of the forest. The rain, which arrived around 8:30 am, brought a refreshing change. The forest canopy provided some shelter, but eventually, I was soaked, and the damp earth filled the air with its unique aroma. As we hiked further, we stumbled upon the Rausch Gap Shelter, a welcome respite. Ignoring the laminated warning about a giant rattlesnake, we took a much-needed break, filling up on water and snacks. The shelter's atmosphere was relaxed, and the company of fellow hikers was comforting. The loud bang we heard earlier in the day, now understood to be from a nearby military base, added an intriguing layer to our adventure. After a brief detour through a marsh, we navigated back to the trail, grateful for the beaver's work in keeping the path dry. The rain had stopped, but the forest canopy continued to drip, creating a humid atmosphere. A gradual climb of 500 feet led us to an open meadow, a brief respite before the trail took us back into the woods. Finally, I reached Stay-AT-Swatara, a hostel where I planned to resupply. Upon arrival, I changed into dry clothes and indulged in a delicious roast beef sub, chips, Coke, and an Amish whoopie pie, all for an affordable $12.50. As the rain poured, we decided to wait it out, chatting with other hikers and enjoying the temporary shelter. I even managed to write a few blog posts, a welcome distraction from the daily routine. With the rain letting up, we hit the trail again, eager to reach our goal, the William Penn Shelter, just 7 miles away. However, the heat and humidity persisted, and the climb over a bridge and 1000 feet in elevation proved challenging. Despite the sweat, we persevered, reaching the ridge, the beginning of what I've heard is known as 'Rocksylvania'. We decided to call it a day at 8 pm, setting up camp before the rain returned, ensuring a good night's rest before another day of adventure.
