It’s 3:00 p.m. and we’ve only done 16 miles for the day, but the guide book says it’s 8.7 miles to the next water source, so it’s really a no brainer: we’ll camp here tonight. Not crazy about the amount of traffic noise we hear close by, but we hope it will die down after “hiker midnight” (or 8:30 p.m.). Five other folks have joined us here, so at least we have “safety in numbers” at this rather exposed campsite. (Camping with us tonight are thru-hikers Union Jill, Count Chocula & Slim Pilgrim; plus section hikers Blue Feather & Daisy.)

Our morning was pleasant, temperature-wise, and pretty much a continuation of yesterday afternoon’s ridge walking: some aggravating rocks between some easy walking. In the middle of the day, the heat returned (under a cloudless blue sky) and we passed through an area that saw unsuccessful coal mining activity dating back to the 1880s. Some of the scars are still visible on the landscape a hundred years later.

We take a nap after setting up our tent, then set about cooking some chicken and Pasta Sides, a package we’ve carried for over 100 miles, as with trail magic and really great friends we have had meal after meal provided for us. Once more, our particular thanks go to our friend Francis who continually amazed us with his culinary skills and hospitality as we crossed the Cumberland Valley. As we head on to New Jersey, we will miss your company…