Ward called from Hamburg, PA two nights ago (Monday), minutes after I arrived home, and just as I was checking his progress on Beth's computer. The map showed him to be located about a mile off the trail, with the last ping from an empty lot containing heavy construction equipment. It appeared from the map that he was in an area of new development - more box stores and fast food restaurants. He explained that he was having a healthy dinner at McDonald's, with plans to re-supply at Wal Mart before returning to the trail where he would sleep in his tent (since there were no shelters nearby).
It was around 7:45 PM, with darkness setting in, which was disconcerting since he was by himself. I suggested that he stay in a hotel, but he didn't want to spend the money, nor did he think one was nearby. He was surprised when I mentioned the Microtel across the street (I saw it on "the Google"), and he was very thankful when I offered to pay for a night's stay. Pennsylvania has not been kind, and he's been by himself much of the time, so I felt he needed a treat.
He called back later after checking into the hotel and after charging his phone. Locals tell him the rains of the past weeks resulted in the worst flooding they can recall. He is hiking in standing water in many sections of the trail. I asked about Matt. Matt is a couple of days ahead of him, but plans to take time off. They should catch up with one another this coming Friday or Saturday when Matt returns. This will likely be along the PA-NJ border.
I asked if it was lonely, and he said it had actually been interesting. He met someone a few nights earlier at the Doyle Hotel, who was hiking the trail in 100 days. They spent the next night together at a shelter, before the fellow moved on. Ward is moving at a good clip, but not at a 100-day rate. A night or two earlier, he stayed in a two-story shelter designed for 20 people. He arrived there early, and then some hikers came in behind him. Before long there were even more hikers, and the shelter was nearly full. Then, a large group of middle-aged women showed up, ready for a big party (many did not spend the night at the shelter). It turns out this group has a reunion at the shelter each year. The location works perfectly for them because it is close to a parking lot. Anyway, he enjoyed the night and all the leftovers these ladies gave to the other hikers.
Somehow the topic of snakes came up in our conversation. I heard and read that there are lots of rattlesnakes in the rocky terrain of PA, but didn't expect him to see any given the time of year. He hasn't seen rattlesnakes, but did mention coming across 4 or 5 non-poisonous snakes along the way, mostly water snakes that hang out around areas where he refills his water supply. He mentioned finding a tick on his leg earlier in the day. Tick fever is a BIG concern, especially in the northeast starting this time of year. I wish he would shave his head and beard to make it easier to find any hiding ticks. He's also encountered lots of mosquitos in PA. It's a good thing he bought headgear netting when he was in DC. It came in handy and he'll also need it when he encounters the black flies that come out in May and June.
We talked again tonight (Wednesday), and he was in a hostel in Palmerton, PA. He didn't have a lot of new news to share, but did mention that the terrain is now very rocky, and that the trail (unnecessarily) traverses giant piles of rocks. I suppose these are classified as PUDs - Pointless Up and Downs, which some local trail clubs insist on building to prove themselves to others.
I look forward to hearing from him when he reaches the PA-NJ border. He's planning to take a zero there - his first since leaving Harpers Ferry. I think he's ready to leave PA.
End
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