Bethel, PA (USA)

[Up around 0730. Got packed up quickly and hit the road. Had to drive for a bit to get to the trailhead this morning: I'm now working a section along I-78. Started hiking around 0900. After months walking on flat and smooth trail south and west of this area, the rocky terrain took all day to seem normal. I hiked on both sides of PA-501 (between William Penn Shelter and an overlook two miles east of the Showers Steps. It was downright hot (my whole body was covered in salt from the sweat...). I got plenty of sun and great views on either side of the ridge of Blue Mountain. Started out the morning with my new Osprey overnight backpack (carrying around 30 pounds). It took some getting used to and I found several previously unused muscles... In the afternoon, I returned to the car and switched back to my ND backpack so I could finish with a lighter load. After hiking out to my turnaround point, I ended up taking the Showers Steps back down to PA-501 so I could backtrack on the road (instead of the rocky AT). The steps were so steep - glad I only used them going downhill! Even with the detour, I still ended up putting in 19 miles today. Lots of people were on the rocks, enjoying the weather and the views. Used I-78, I-81, I-83, PA-581 and US-15 to get to Frederick. I saw lots of police (speed traps) - still made good time, though. Tried to get my rum and Saranac Beer at Fort Detrick but figured out they have changed the schedule for the gates (and opened a new gate off Opossumtown Pike). In the end, I was too late for my BX run, unfortunately... Continued home on I-270 and I-495 (lots of traffic). Arrived to a stack of bills and other mail - really unmotivated and procrastination is becoming even easier. With that in mind, I'm really glad I made the trip this weekend... AT total today = 9.23 miles / G.T. AT = 396.85 miles.]