We heard several versions, but most likely a robbery suspect (homicide involved?) ditched a vehicle on I-70, ran in the woods, and then south on the AT. His description may have involved a green shirt and either dread locks or cornrows…

But before all that, the day started with a climb of South Mountain’s original Washington Monument (which we made along with Carver who we met yesterday). There were nice views towards Antietam Battlefield.

We have to mention Really Great trail magic today: Just before the manhunt, Carver found a full cooler Cabana Boy and Dutch Tape (2010 thru hikers) had placed before the Boonsboro road. The three of us were amazed at the sodas, apples, snacks, all resupplied this morning. Sweet! In the afternoon, the Baltimore chapter of the AT Class of 2009 (with many friends) threw quite a spread at the Ensign Cowall Shelter. All of the homemade salads were particularly good and instead of the usual hot dog/hamburger fare, they made homemade sandwiches to order and heated in a cast iron press. Great Reubins!

It was tempting to linger, but we had another five miles and a really steep climb to reach the beautiful, almost-brand-new Raven Rock shelter for the night. Too full to eat any dinner after all the trail magic, after we arrived we washed up and got to bed early. We are joined by Tyler who had to bushwhack back to the trail after his hitch back from a town resupply dropped him off in the middle of the road! He almost headed south on the trail before he worked out his location. He asked us for a wake up call in the morning so he can also get an early start. The only downer for the day is that the Charons didn’t make it past Trail Magic II, which means we didn’t get to visit with them again tonight, and with us taking a break tomorrow to visit X’s sister, we will have a hard time catching them again. Such is life on the trail…