Trail Magic And A Hostel

The past couple weeks have been a mix of highs and lows, and I don’t just mean hills and valleys. One day we were walking near Antietam Shelter needing a break and Dad “Moses” gets waived over to a tarped lean-to by a couple guys. We follow him over and to our surprise it was pure “Trail Magic”. We had wondered across what is known as the “Leap Frog Cafe” run by “Fresh Ground”. He has preparing all hikers that came by a meal. We had omelets, banana pancakes, juice, and grabbed Little Debbie’s to go. What a great treat!!!As we came into Fayetteville, PA we stayed at the Hope Hostel. Junker, a previous through-hiker and ridge-runner and his wife are great people who will do anything for you; including a ride into town to resupply at Walmart. Now I have never stayed in a hostel before and if i have a choice will never again. The place was clean, beds were okay if you are comfortable in a high bunk (I’m not... kept waiting to go ahhhhhhhhh all the way to the floor... lol) and the bathroom was clean. Maybe I’m a prude in my old age but sharing a bathroom and shower with 10-12 other people felt too much like basic training, but with a door.Dinner and breakfast were at the Timbers diner and Wanda served good food and is your instant friend. But then a step climb awaits. It’s a tough couple miles mixed with a tunnel of rhododendrons that just took our breath away and a shelter on a stream that is so nice it feels like a Caribbean resort.The next few days saw 90 degree days with the sun beating down on us the whole time since the leaves are late this year, so much for the “green tunnel”. We pulled into Boiling Springs and called a “Nero” day.... to be continued