Day 10: Short day at Darlington Shelter

Start: Quality Inn (AT mi 1131.9). Stop: Darlington Shelter (AT mi 1138.3). Today’s miles: 6.4 miles. Total AT mileage: 113.3 miles

Today was supposed to be a 14 miler. We got up and out of the hotel by 8, ready to crush the day. And the morning went smooth, too. Lots of rolling hills and farmland up until mile 5ish-which started the incline. I’ve realized I hike better in the morning after my vitamin I (ibuprofen) kicks in, but once it wears off, I dramatically slow down. Because of this, I intended to get as close to half way as I could before 12, so that after lunch I could take it easy and still make it to camp before the sun sets.

There were beautiful overlooks and gorgeous views today, mixed in with the mystical looking undergrowth in some areas that reminded me of Alice and Wonderland. A lot of the trail followed along beside a river, so the greenery just seemed that much more lush.

There were so many trail runners out today. One man stopped at the same overlook I was stopped at and started to chat with me. He holds the record for the fastest time to go from “rim to rim to rim” in this area.. so from the highest point we passed yesterday morning to the highest point i was almost to, and then back again. He took the title for the record (less than 7 hours) on his 65th birthday! And to think he thinks I’m crazy for hiking the AT.. hahaha! I guess we are all on our own quests in life. Someone’s crazy is someone else’s mission. It takes all types.

I made it to the Darlington Shelter with intentions to eat lunch and stretch, wait for Lizard and allow her time to do the same, and then follow her out (her speed picks up in the afternoons where my slows). But when I got to the shelter, Adam and K were there already! They got here last night and are taking a zero day here at this shelter! I was sooo excited to see them!

Apparently last night there was over 20 something thru hikers at this shelter, and the majority moved out and into Duncannon (the town we want to zero in). I decided I’d let Lizard chose our plan of action: A. Stay here, which is a 6.4 mile day, and then an 11 mile day tomorrow into Duncannon, followed by a zero.B. Continue on to the next shelter, making today a 14 mile day, and tomorrow would be a 4 mile day into Duncannon, followed by a zero.. OR C. I’d stay put and do option A while she pushed through to Duncannon tonight (she’s been on trail a week longer than me, AND she knows almost all of the hikers ahead of us that stayed here last night). I personally don’t think I’m up for an 18 mile day yet.. even if it is guaranteed to have a zero the next day. Hopefully I’ll have my trail legs soon and an 18 miler won’t sound so soul crushing.
I didn’t tell her my opinion at all, so she wouldn’t make her choice based on knowing my preference. Once we realized there was a decent water source close by, she chose option A, and I happily agreed.

Now it’s early afternoon and we’re all just relaxing and stretching, I’m thinking about taking a nap under some trees or maybe I’ll read for a little while. My socks and shoes are off and this is just what I needed today. I’ll update the rest of the day later tonight before bed. I foresee a pretty awesome, chill day.

Which is exactly what we had! It was awesome. I decided to splurge on a new lightweight tent, although not as big of a splurge as I was considering, only because the more costly tents were either sold out or would take 9 weeks to get. This new one will arrive at the next post office in a week, which is perfect. I’ll go from 4 pounds of tent to less than 2! So necessary! Lizard got a couple little things too, and I got a lighter weight diddy bag. I have a pile of things ready to send home tomorrow!

We sat around a fire that Curmudgeon, Curmy for short (aka Adam) built us, and chatted about life. K is now Cholula (because she has a zillion packets with her lol). It was an afternoon well spent, and dinner was more of the same. This is one group of folks that can really make you laugh. I kinda think this might be one of my most favorite days on trail yet..

Even though I’m currently the only person in the shelter (my first shelter night) and the group of dudes camping out nearish where Curmy and Cholulu are at are most definitely having a rock band jam sesh at the moment, and I can hear it all like they’re performing just for me! Haha I might be pulling out my earplugs in a bit if they don’t settle by the time I’m finished listening to my audiobook, LMAO. And to think I was worried about snorers! I’m guessing these guys are more of weekend warriors than thru hikers. Too bad they haven’t offered me a beer!

Anyway, here’s to an awesome day! Cheers!