Pen Mar, PA (USA)

Finished all of the AT through Maryland today - it only took five weekends. Woke up early (0730) and drove north (via I-495, I-270 and US-15). After stopping for information at the Catoctin Mountain National Park Visitor's Center, I parked at the same place I used the previous weekend (MD-77). I hiked northbound to the Mason-Dixon Line (and across into PA). The toughest part was crossing a huge boulder-field (twice). Whenever I've hiked in these areas, I've noticed the map calls them "The Devil's Racecourse" - an appropriate name, I think. Heading back towards my car was harder, especially because of the climb up to High Rocks. All day long, I heard, saw and felt a steady rain of falling acorns. The views, especially at Pen-Mar Park, were amazing. As I was nearing the end of my hike (would have been 17 miles), I encountered a trail volunteer (Mike) who was clearing the trail. We got to talking and he offered me a ride back to my car at the next road crossing. This meeting turned out to be very fortunate (for me) because it started raining right afterwards. As a result, I only had to hike about 15 (and wasn't drenched). Gotta love the Trail Magic! Total today = 8.35 miles (not counting backtrack) / Grand Total = 150.32 miles on AT.