#160 Duncannon PA to Stealth Campsite - Day 85: ATMM1149.6 - ATMM1165.7
When setting out on a journey do not seek advice from those who have never left home - Rumi
4-11-2023
With a second breakfast on my mind, I drop into a local diner that lies just down the street from the hostel. The scene inside reminds me of diners in my home town that have been taken by time. Similar characters fill these tables as those that once filled the tables of my memories - friends and families meeting for breakfast or lunch, surrounded by big-bellied old men in flannel shirts eating heavily and old women playing Bridge in the corner.
After talking with a few of the locals I move on. The food smells great but I change my mind about spending time or money on breakfast. I reasoned within myself that since I ate pretty good last night that I’m good to go, and that the oatmeal I ate earlier is enough.
Walking through town on the Appalachian Trail past large historic homes, they call to me, ”You should come here to live later in life.” Maybe.
Juniata Road Bridge runs across the Juniata River, the first and the shortest of the two bridge crossings this morning on the way out of Duncannon. The one hundred mile long Juniata River feeds into the Susquehanna River, where I cross over on the Clark’s Ferry Bridge. The predecessor of this bridge was the world’s longest covered bridge (2088ft) in 1888.
Walking across Clark’s Ferry Bridge along U.S. Routes 22 and 322 is a bit unnerving as big trucks roar by at high rates of speed. Still, It’s a beautiful walk. The sun beams down on the Susquehanna River, old fishermen sit in their boats, mountains pop up all around, creating the perfect backdrop to help ease my mind.
The A.T. follows the off ramp below the bridge’s ninety degree turn, onto dry land, across the train tracks, then up the mountain.
The trail points in a southward direction - a hard steep climb with no switchbacks. Near the top, at the first switchback that I didn’t know was a switchback, I accidentally walk a quarter mile off trail. Only realizing my mistake when any sign of a trail faded and bushwhacking became the only option.
On top, the trail finally turns toward the north along the ridge, and offers much easier hiking.
It's a fairly comfortable morning to walk. So long as you stay in the thin shadows of the naked trees and the cool breeze continues to blow. Climbing in the direct sunlight out of the shade is a different story.
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