Duncannon, PA (USA)

After my trip last weekend (FLT and ADK), I've discovered that the weather won't prevent me from achieving most of my hiking goals... When the forecasted winter storm never hit DC, I decided to drive up to the Harrisburg area to hike some more AT. Left the house around 0800 (used I-495, I-270, US-15, PA-94, PA-34 and PA-850. Parked at the trailhead on the last road (about 9 miles west of Duncannon) at 1030. Provided a jump start to a hunter in the parking lot right before leaving (felt good to help someone) and then proceeded up into the snowy woods on Cove Mountain (NOBO). I saw several kids sledding near the road but no one at all while I hiked on AT. Observed lots of animal tracks and pretty vistas of the snow covered farmland below the ridge. It was cold and my clothes got wet very quickly. Stayed pretty warm with my layers, though. Turned back at Hawk Rock - just as the sun came out and started to melt everything. Actually made the return trip harder (slippery) and I found myself practically running at the end. There was about 4-6 inches of snow but I didn't let it deter me. As a result, I ended up fitting in 15 miles today! Finished at 1630 and drove east to US-11/15. Turned north and followed the Susquehanna River until I found a hiker lodge (Doyle Hotel) in Duncannon (1730). Had dinner there (jambalaya & salad and Troegs beer). Worked on my computer for awhile and made some phone calls in the drafty old place (fun with the space heater all evening). Went to bed around 2200. Looking forward to taking another crack at the trail tomorrow! AT Total today = 7.11 miles / G.T. = 325.12 miles.