Duncannon, PA (USA)

[Woke up late this morning - unmotivated. Got myself psyched up for hiking, finished laundry and assembled my gear. This time, I packed my new backpack (really full). Got on the road late (0900). Escaping NOVA, I used I-495, I-270, US-15, I-81 and US-322 to get near the AT. Explored the area near Dauphin (trying to find a back way to the trail but all the dirt roads had gates across them). Backtracked to US-322 and then drove north. Weather was even nicer by the time I parked at the trailhead on PA-225 (the place was packed - wow!). I rode my bike 12 miles to another trailhead on PA-325 and then hiked (SOBO) back to the car. What a difference four weeks makes: not a trace of snow! Made great time, with very few stops. Saw a lot more people (and talked to a few) - happy to share the enjoyment of the Spring weather... It was very pleasant on the ridge of Peter's Mountain and the views down to the valley on both sides were tremendous. Couldn't ask for a better day to get back into the trail groove! After finishing for the day, I picked up snacks at Sheetz off US-15 (1830) and enrolled in their rewards club (why didn't I know about this before?). When I tried to cross the Juniata River to Duncannon, found the road was closed because the "subway" was flooded. Had to take a detour around the north side of town to get to my favorite hiker lodge. Checked into The Doyle and got dinner (1920). Food was good and I enjoyed a conversation with several kindred spirits. Found out (from the proprietors) that the loud siren I've been hearing when I visit is the volunteer fire department alarm. Hope it doesn't go off again while I'm here this time... Read in my room until around 2200 and then got to sleep. More hiking tomorrow (strange to think it has only been a year since I decided to make my dream of hiking the entire AT a reality...)! - AT today = 9.6 miles / Grand Total = 387.62 miles]