Boiling Springs, PA (USA)

Started 2015 on the AT today! Checked the weather reports all weekend and still gambled when I made the two hour drive this morning (via I-495, I-270, US-15, PA-74). It paid off (arrived 1000) and I spent a nice day in the Cumberland Valley, southwest of Harrisburg, PA (between PA-74 and Scott Farm Trail Work Center). Was surprised at all the noise near the trailhead - skeet shooting ranges appear to be everywhere... Terrain was extremely flat and prone to puddling - mud was tough - and most of the trail crossed huge cornfields (barren, but for the leftover husks). Crossed three major highways during my 16.5 mile hike: I-76 (PA Turnpike), US-11 and I-81. Hoping the AT's proximity to these roads will now make it easier to squeeze in miles whenever I go to/from the northeast! Only saw a few people - also enjoying the 40s/50s weather before the Big Chill arrives... it was foggy & misty all day but it only rained on me when I was driving to/from (lucky). Drive home (left around 1600) was earlier than normal - made good time (US-15, I-270, I-495). AT Total today = 8.27 miles / Grand Total = 318.01 miles.