Harpers Ferry, VA - Duncannon, PA (125 miles)

Julie and Kelly dropped me back in Harpers Ferry where I met up with Wheeler who had been hiding from the rain on a porch. A park ranger named Linda kept us company and ended up inviting us to stay with her in the downstairs apartment. We made some dinner and got good sleep before heading out the next morning.

Hiked into Maryland and enjoyed Gathland State Park with some surprisingly cool monuments and camped out with friends at free Back Packer campsite with showers and the works. A former thru-hiker in the area met us on a run and came back with ice cream as a surprise! Fun night.

The next morning we walked into Washington Park and saw the original Washington monument - looks like a giant stone bottle with vista. This area is full of statues and plaques. We get civil war history lessons every day. Later that night we all made it to the Mason-Dixon line! Enjoyed a local park, as well as MORE trail magic ice cream, and a nice field for stealth camping.

Seven miles in I FINALLY caught Thin Mint and Ziggy Stardust still sleeping off the rain in a shelter - they are friends from my first round back in March that I've been chasing since April. They joined our gang and we all headed into Caledonia Park and the official half-way point of the trail. After luxurious Quarry Gap shelter in PA (hanging flowers, board games...) we went to some look outs, chased giant rat snakes, and genally took our sweet time getting into Pine Grove Furnace, PA: home of the famous half-gallon challenge!

2 other mutual pals were waiting on us there and we sat down with about 12 to try and consume 1/2 gallon of ice cream each - a tradition upon reaching the trail's 1/2 way point. Regrettably, I didn't cut it. But Fat Kid clocked in at just over 10 minutes! A new record. We're all very proud.

On our way to find a sneaky place to camp just outside the park we ran into 2 ladies who remembered Winston (Wheeler's dog that hikes with us) and invited our gang of7 to stay with them in Boiling Springs. When we made it to town the next morning they picked us up. The boys camped in the back yard while Thin Mint and I had our own room inside. Our new friends had beer and dinner waiting.

We planned to hike out the next morning but after a late lunch, swim in the spring, and unexpected nap on the lawn we accepted a zero. Sally had given us another friend's number who picked everyone up (7 people, 1 dog, 7 packs, 1 air compressor in 1 truck) and invited us to his home on the Mountain. Turns out Bruce was a carpenter who had built his incredible home, as well as a shelter, and 2-story lookout where we set up camp. If any one in PA is familiar or in the grotto: turns out his family also owns Lincoln Caverns. I learned all about lava tubes in Hawaii and his experience on the PCT.

Once we forced ourselves to leave town we walked along pastures and farmland for 2 days - took a nice break at a pond, and did some swimming in the Juniata, before making it to Duncannon where I am currently sitting. PHEW

BillVill has a hiker feed here this weekend - lots of soccer, tennis, food, games. Ashely and her family were nice enough to take me in for the night last night as well! She then came out and joined us for an afternoon on the river with some local folks who offered to lend us their boats. Mom and my grandparents also stopped by today to see "tent city" and meet my friends.

Only a week or so left... too sad to talk about it just yet though.

Lexington, VA - Harper's Ferry, WV (220 miles)

Another long stretch-

After saying my goodbyes to Julie and Kelly I hiked in 8 miles and camped with friends - one of the brightest moons yet! We set up in a field and enjoying the shadows it cast.

The next morning dawned less glorious as I awoke with the "trail plague." 24 magical hours. Obviously my phone was broken, we weren't near any roads, and nobody had a map... A high school backpacking class on the other end of the field couldn't direct me and had no phones either. Geez Louise.

Finally Waldo got a signal and I called a trail angel that another hiker miraculously had the number for. This incredible man (Ken) essentially spends his time transporting and rescuing thru hikers. He drove out, picked me up, and took me for a 24-minute, nauseatingly windy drive to a B & B in Montebello. The couple who ran the B & B (Dutch Haus) shuffled me to a bed where I slept about 15 hours. Upon recovering some level of consciousness I found they had cleaned my clothes and gear, layed out a bathrobe, and made me peanut butter crackers and tea. Ultimately they did not even charge me for the night. Trail magic at it's finest. I can't imagine how uncomfortable that day would have been alone in my tent.

The following day I tried a short slack-pack over Priest Mt and came back to find several other pals had arrived at Dutch Haus. We spent the night eating and watching Bladerunner. A full (and enjoyable) recovery!

Next day a storm began rolling in early afternoon and I pulled over to stealth camp. Eventually several others joined. Around 3am that morning I woke up to what sounded like some ambitious hiker getting an early start. I yelled something sleepy like "hey!" to confirm it was a person. In reply I heard a tearing sound and a snort which promted a much louder "HEY!" and woke up the others. The bear took off immediately but the thing had been about 10 feet from my tent and made off with Bush Man's food.

That morning I hiked a fast 15 through the rain into Wayensboro - a notoriously hiker-friendly town. The visitor's center had a list of about 20 folks and phone numbers to call for rides around town. We rang the first one, a man who came out in 15 minutes with candy bars for everyone and drove us into town. I headed to the YMCA for a shower (which an anonymous trail angel covers for hikers - along with towels, shampoo, and other such luxuries). A big gang of us crashed at a free church hostel on the same street which provided food, showers, cots, and the biggest TV I've ever seen... we all hibernated and watched movies while it poured outside.

The next day was no different and several of us took a "zero day." One hostel volunteer offered Bonesey, Seabass, and I a ride out to Charlottesville where we spent the afternoon.

Finally onward into Shenandoah Park! As so many had zeroed due to the rain we moved with a big gang. Bonesey, Rocket, Huck Finn, Fat Kid, and I decided it would be a great idea to try for a 24 hr hike during the Full Moon on June 6. Some trail magic provided us with bubbles, which we greatly enjoyed at a nice rock outcropping along the way. The park also had tons of camp stores and wayside restaurants and PEOPLE which made it an exception but interesting. We made it until around 1:30 am (sounds early, but keep in mind we usually sleep at 9). Saw bob cat #3 and Bonesey accidentally stabbed a rattle snake with his trek poll! That woke us up. 

Another night we stealth camped on the porch of a cabin that visitors to the park can rent. Not only did it keep us somewhat dry, but we had the most incredible view of a lightening storm in a nearby valley. Purple lightening! Some of these summer storms are wild. Bob cat #4 came one night that I had to pull over and camp alone due to ANOTHER storm in the park. I think there is a parade of them following me north.

FINALLY out of Shenandoah and into Front Royal to resupply. 9 of us and one dog split 2 joined hotel rooms. It's always fun to spend time with trail friends off the AT when folks are clean and not completely exhausted. 

The last stretch before Harper's Ferry went quickly - hiked over a 13 mile section known as the "roller coaster" up-down-up-down-up-down. Stayed at the PATC's Blackburn hiker hostel. An Amish family had it filled up so Bonesey, Rocket, Fat Kid, and I slept out on the enormous screened-in porch. Cowboy camping without the bugs and solar showers!

Walking into Harper's Ferry felt like a big victory. We clanged out trekking polls and yelled as we walked across the bridge into town. 1,013 miles!! Still, a bummer to part ways. Many folks headed in different directions to celebrate the half-way mark and take a break. I caught a ride into DC with a friend of a friend and enjoyed a spectacular weekend with pals from home and school. It made me feel amazing to think that only a few months ago I flew out of DC to get to the start of the trail... and had successfully walked back. 

Today I am relaxing at Julie and Kelly's place in Frederick but should be back on the trail in a day or two headed even North'er.

I'm a lucky girl.

Mail

Just made it into Waynesboro and have a couple more minutes in the library. I've had a few folks ask about sending mail along the trail! Here's the deal:

Most major towns we hit accept general delivery packages. You just gotta write:

HOLD FOR THRU HIKER
c/o Brooke Osborne "Wampus Cat"
Town, State, Zip

For return address write:

Brooke Osborne
1325 Adele Road
Montoursville PA, 17754

That way, if I do not stop in that town or cannot contact the PO it will make it home and my Momma can include it in a maildrop. The next big town I plan to stop in (a good 100 miles north) is Harpers Ferry, VA. This is also the "mental half-way point" of the trail.

Hope summer is treating everyone well! Thanks for the good vibes and encouraging messages.
xo Wampus Cat

Bland, VA - Lexington, VA (225 miles)

A whole heck of a lot happens in 225 miles. Quick update:

Caught a ride back into Bland and hiked 2 long days to Pearisburg. Enjoyed time at "Dismal Falls" (much nicer than it sounds) and taking a zero in town with friends at the Holy Family Church hostel. Lots of card games and listening to local bluegrass station - caught up with some folks I thought I'd lost. One highlight involved using water from an unsupecting local's hose to make espresso with Starbucks' (trail name) french press in the yard of an abandoned house while waiting for his brother TrailBail to hike into town. Wooo Doggie.

Back on the trail we faced armies of gross gypsy moth caterpillars. I felt like human cotton candy. Gross gross gross. They produced so many little caterpillar poops from the trees they were killing that it sounded like rain. Also a hot and humid day. Invasive jerks.

As luck would have it, the following day was incredible. Hiking down early morning in the rain we hit some trail magic - lovely breakfast. The group of former thru hikers then drove our packs to the next road crossing ( 9 miles ) and had a cookout waiting for us as lunch! Afterwards they packed us "to-go" bags and we all hiked up to a scenic rock outcropping called "Dragon's Tooth" where we perched ourselved to watch the sunset and enjoy picnic number 3.

Next day we made it to McAfees Knob and Tinker Cliffs for more spectacular views (pictures to follow ASAP).

Several days later I hiked into Daleville - hit the local swimming pool and took about 9 showers. I also met a dog that can read. It's true!

On the wildlife front I've had a second Bob Cat encounter. This one did not run off instantly as it had just killed something. It took me yelling something along the lines of "Yo, Bob Cat - You better 'git!!" for it to finally back off the trail. Also a bear and many lizards.

Bumped into Trail Days friends hiking with trail dog marvel "Winston." Hiked down into town to meet Julie, but stopped first for some bridge jumping and swimming on the James River.

Miss Julie Sutsko (!) Then joined me for a magical weekend we are currently wrapping up. Hiked 20 miles on Saturday and were greeted at a Forest Service road crossing by a local church group out for a walk. They offered us sodas and eventually invited us to their picnic that afternoon! Got to ride in the back of the truck out to a local park and enjoyed ENDLESS amounts of homemade desserts and salads of every variety. A great deal of "church ladies" took care of us and even offered a place to stay. Unfortunately we had to hit the trail again and they brought us back to the road.

Today we hiked up and caught a ride into Lexington on and 18-wheeler. The driver, Mr. Dale Heartless (yep) was quite a character and often gives hikers a lift. Waiting now for Kelly to come get Julie and have to get off the computer! Hope this all makes sense and the spelling errors are not too terrible plentiful.

LOVE AND MISS YOU. Thanks for visiting me, Julie : ) We'll miss you!

Trail Days - Damascus, VA

Caught a ride shortly after leaving that last entry with 4 others, 5 packs, and a german shepherd in a compact car - pretty cozy couple of hours.

The reason for our fashionable return to Damascus was "Trail Days" - it's essentially a celebration of hiking the AT for current and past hikers. Folks come set up tents for the weekend and enjoy lots of food, vendors, free gear repair, and of course catching up with other hikers that have since pushed forward or fallen behind.

Birthday on the 14th - sure was fun getting all that mail from Williamsport and State College! THANK YOU. The birthday ribbon earned me many high fives and free beers. And the cookies/chocolate made my day. I even shared a little... Not the hiking undies though.

A highlight of the weekend is a hiker parade in which all past and presents walk down the main streets of the town and essentially engage in a water brawl with the folks from Damascus. Silly costumes and water guns are obviously involved in this.

It also provided a great chance to re-group. I had a lot of gear fixed and replaced, as well as showers everyday (!... in a disaster relief truck) and a great deal of homemade food. Free doctor visits and bloodwork was also provided. Looks like I'm going to make it... Dizzy spells have stopped and the heels are officially healed.

On the last night Blessed and Stormcrowe talked me into contra dancing. Stormcrowes 2 adorable red-headed children joined us and we do-si-do'ed our butts off. If you've never done contra dancing I HIGHLY recommend it.

The next morning I also had the pleasure of hanging out with a friend from PSU, Lauren "Neon" Reed. Great to see a familiar face and meet all the folks I heard her talk about from her through hike last year.

Finally! Even after all these non-hiking days I signed up for something called "Hard Core." About 100 of us spent 2 days doing volunteer trail maintenance in North Carolina - this gave me a deep appreciation for all the man hours and dedication that go into the AT. Painting my own white blaze was a cool moment as well.

Recently it has been suggested to me that I slow the heck down. Somehow I've unconsciously started seeing the miles as markers of how well my day has gone and breezed past a lot of fun things. It feels good hiking fast and putting in the miles - but I keep losing track of folks I enjoy hiking with, good swimming holes here and there, etc.

THANK YOU again for the birthday love! xo Wampus Cat

Damascus, VA - Bland, VA (120 miles)

Welp - I previous had the impression that Disney princesses only attracted animals of the furry baby mammal variety, but the day I posted my last entry and hiked out I crossed paths with 6 snakes in 12 miles. Mmmm. Working on getting over that fear. One particularly ornery rat snake refused to move even after being encouraged to do so multiple times with trek polls. And so August Rush and I were forced to slide down the steep bank and struggle up the other side. Stupid Snake. Gave him the stink eye as I passed by.

Next came the thunderstorms - which made the trail at all points something between a bog and a stream. Also, now that we're working our way through VA, the trail passes through a lot cow pastures and farm land which means cow patties. So: snakes, storms, cow poop, wet feet.

BUT WAIT!

Suddenly we made it to the highlands and the sun came out - gorgeous views of the surrounding balds and fields. Loads of butterflies and... wild PONIES! heeere pony pony pony pony. They greatly enjoyed licking the salt off of hikers.

Also made it to a shelter after a long day that included a shower and phone for ordering pizza! Due to a handful of big days I've been seeing a lot of new faces lately.

Overall just been walkin' and campin' a whole lot. At some point we passed a living history farm museum where we lounged and called our Mommies. One final awesome bald had us laying in the grass for over an hour. Many Names and I learned a new trick where you spin ten times in each direction to balance out your inner ears somehow (?). It was enjoyable watching everyone try it and falling over.

Now I'm off with August Rush to find a ride back to Damascus for a celebration called "Trail Days" this weekend. I'll update as soon as possible! LOVE, Wampus Cat

Erwin, TN - Damascus, VA (125 miles)

Yet again, the weather has taken a screeching turn - this time for cooler wetter days.

Coming out of Erwin we climbed Unaka Mt in Tennessee which left us wandering through this dense patch of fur trees at the summit - thick red pine needle carpet, dark in all directions. Wild. This was shortly followed by a serious haul up Roan Mt - the last time we'll be over 6,000 ft. until Mt. Washington. The best part were all the pink ribbons on trees marking where the trail is supposed to be re-routed by next year (significantly less ridiculous than it is now).

Another highlight was a series of balds we hit the next day. You could see where the trail led for miles and watch other hikers like little blue and orange pack-cover dots moving over the hills through the rain. Passing through the horse pens was interesting... Hot Pants and I tried to go through one together and got stuck. Those gates are not intended for two people with giant packs on. Again - lookin' real smart.

Several days later I had a record hike (25) into Kincora run by famous hiker/trail maintainer/super sweet old man Bob Peoples. Stayed up on the porch playing cards, did some laundry, had a huge "family dinner," and plenty of sleep. Found the deck of cards Green Tea and I had been taking turns carrying back in March and reclaimed them! Next day I did what is called "slack packing." Bob dropped me off 9 miles north of the hostel and I hiked back with only a small day pack in a short time. On the way I saw a yearling a short way down the trail and stopped and sat down. After a few moments it moved in much closer - about 25 ft away and we had a stare down before it went on eating. Left me feeling a little like a Disney princess.

Here in Damascus we've been staying in a hostel called "the place" eating lots and I'm hunting for new trail runners.

Alright - the library here in Damscus is being a grouch and kicking us out, big wave of new hikers just came in. I've got the pictures all ready! Hopefully the next computer will be easier to work with...

Thank you for the comments and messages! It's exciting to get them in towns. xxxooo