Thursday, Sep 18, 2025. Up at 8:20. Clear cool morning.
We are taking our time to let the sun dry a few things out from yesterday’s rains. Only 10 miles to go today and our ride won’t pick us up till around 4:45pm.
Got dried out a tiny bit. We left a gallon of water at the shelter. On trail at 10:15 (mile 1057.8).
Uneventful morning. Stopped at a running stream for second breakfast at 11:30 and 3 miles in.
Climbed up to Raven Rock for a break and a nice view. Hazy day, but that’s Hagerstown MD way across the valley.
Ed at Raven Rock, MDChuck at Raven Rock, MD
Stopped at High Rock for lunch at 2:00. Just 3 miles to go. Quiet up here on a Thursday afternoon. The fence is new this year. It might keep a few kids from falling off, but it’s still easy to go around it and climb on the rocks.
High Rock with the new fenceChuck at High Rock
Reached Pen Mar (mile 1967.4) at 3:50 and 9.9 miles. Great place to end a hike.
Wrapping up the hike at Pen Mar Park, MD
We did not expect Dana to pick us up until 5:00, but she got here at the same time that we did. Sweet!
We drove to our favorite diner in Frederick for an early dinner courtesy of Ed.
Post-hike milkshake at Mountain View Diner in Frederick, MD
Good end to short hike. Even with the bad weather yesterday.
Wednesday, Sep 17, 2025. Up at 7:30. Rainy day and cool.
Slept GREAT. Used the bath house to get dressed and cleaned up this morning. Had breakfast in tent then waited in tent until a break in the rain at 8:40 to strike camp and head out. Rain today until about 6:00pm. And it rained harder at 8:45. Still waiting for that break in the rain at 9:15. So much for the weather forecast!
Packed up in the rain. Goal is to keep the inner tent dry. Everything else is wet and dirty. Wearing my rain kilt, umbrella, and neoprene gloves this morning. Gonna keep up heavy rain until at least noon. Oh well. On trail at 9:40 (mile 1043.9)
Only 13.5 miles today with our first stop in 2 miles at Washington Monument park. There is a pavilion there where we can get out of the rain for a bit if needed. And potable water. Next stop after that is the US 40 underpass about 3.2 miles later. Very noisy but should be dry.
Stopped at Washington Monument park for second breakfast. Been raining good since we got on trail. The temps are just at the lower end of where I am comfortable NOT wearing a rain jacket. That means I am wearing a light rain jacket but the sweating in the jacket is annoying. Should lighten up on the rain in about 3 hours.
Starting the day in the rain and cold from Dahlgren Campground
We took a break at Washington Monument park for half an hour. Ditched the rain coat. Too hot. A NOBO hiker and a SOBO thru-hiker stopped to get dried off as well. This weather is miserable.
Ed at Washington Monument State Park, MD
We hiked on from the monument and crossed I-70 on the foot bridge overpass.
Ed crossing the footbridge ver I-70 near Boonsboro, MD
Arrived at Ensign Cowell shelter (1057.8) about 4:40. Got our tents setup, they are wet from the rain, and started to get our wet gear unpacked. Dana arrived just after 5:00 to deliver water and my spoon . Glad she brought water as the spring is a shallow muddy puddle.
Camp at Ensign Cowell Shelter
Nice tenting spot. We hung things to dry, but no wind and it’s a bit humid. We are in no hurry tomorrow so we can let things dry while we chill around camp until 10:00 only 10 miles to go and Dana will not be able to pick us up until close to 5:00pm.
Tuesday, Sep 16, 2025. Cloudy, cool, chance of showers.
Dana drove Ed and I to Harper’s Ferry (mile 1025.7) at 8:15. Said goodbye and got on trail at 9:10.
The first part of the hike includes a very boring 2.5 miles on the C&O Canal Tow Path. Basically a flat road walk. We crossed the active railroad tracks and started the ascent up Weaverton Cliffs at 10:50 and 4.4 miles in. Took a short break on the cliffs before moving g on.
Chuck and Ed on Weaverton Cliffs
Arrived at Gathland State park at 2:00 and 11 miles. Refilled water from the potable water source in the park and had lunch. The restrooms at the park have been closed for over 2 years, but there is a well maintained port-a-potty.
Crampton Gap water
While we were taking our break, I read that Robert Redford died today. Amazing actor.
Back on trail at 2:30. About 7 more miles. I day hike this area a lot and it’s a very boring section of trail with nothing much to see from Weaverton Cliffs until Washington Monument park tomorrow.
Made it to White Rocks overlook at 4:05 and 14.75 miles. No rain yet but it looks and feels like rain. According to Dana it rained HARD back home this afternoon. That’s only about 20 miles away as the crow flies.
Ed at White Rocks
Got to Dahlgren Campground (mile 1043.9) at 5:20. Nice bathrooms with showers, toilets, trash cans. Potable water too. Set up and making dinner at 6:20.
Camp at Dahlgren CampgroundDahlgren Campground bathrooms
And I forgot my cozy and my spoon! First time I’ve ever done anything like that. I’ll have Dana bring the spoon tomorrow when she drops off water. Stupid. I’ll improvise something to eat my dehydrated meal. Thankfully I was not eating ramen tonight!
Necessity is the mother of invention. I didn’t really use that comb anyway.
Eating dinner with a comb since I forgot my spoon
Dana found the spoon and cozy. I have one box of stuff from my last hiking trip that goes back in my pack. And another box of spare gear to put away. The cozy and spoon ended up in the wrong box. Talked to Dana for almost half an hour this evening.
Rain started at 7:15. Good timing! In my tent and reading for a few hours at 7:30.
Good hard boring day. Feet hurt a bit after 18 miles, but good day overall.
Got to Penmar Park at 1:30. Andy Johnson stalked me via Garmin and brought us both Gatorade and a snack!!
Trail Magic at Penmar ParkAT mile marker in Penmar Park
Back on trail at 2:25. We meet Dana at 3:30. We will be late! Crossed into Pennsylvania. One more state down!
Crossing the Mason-Dixon line
We met Dana at 4:00 near Waynesboro, PA. She drove us to Sheetz for dinner then to Walmart for resupply. We then drove to Old Forge Park to repack and celebrate Overkill’s birthday with an ice cream cake.
Overkill’s birthday party in Old Forge Park
We got to Tumbling Run shelter about 6:30. Ran into the extended family: Glass, Newt, 23, Polar, Puzzle, and others. Overkill wanted a fire for her birthday, so she made one.
Polar, Overkill, 23, and Puzzler at Tumbling Run shelter
Not sure about the new pack yet. Had some back pain today, but still adjusting the fit of the new pack.
We planned out the week. Will zero in Duncannon Saturday. Mom, Shelley, and Jeff plan to drive up and visit.
Trying to sleep at 9:30. We want to be out at 7:00 tomorrow morning. We have just under 20 miles with 3 hard climbs.
Day 92 Map – Ensign Cowall shelter to Tumbling Run
Today would have been Andrea’s 57th birthday 🙁 I miss her.
Up at 6:00. On trail at 7:10. We have 20 miles to go today.
Took a break just short of Lambs Knoll at 8:40. Nice view looking towards Brunswick, MD.
View near Lambs Knoll
Unfortunately, my back is hurting already today.
Reached Dahlgren campground at 10:00. Had a second breakfast and used the facilities. Topped off water before departing at 10:30.
Dahlgren campground
Stopped at Washington Monument State Park at 11:45. Snacked and filled up water. Headed out at 12:10.
Washington Monument State Park
Crossed over I-70 about 2:45.
Crossing over I-70 on footbridge
Stopped at Annapolis Rocks for water at 3:30. Sent Dana our dinner order from Subway.
About 5 miles left, and we ran into a day hiker on the trail who warned us there was a rattlesnake nearby. The idiot was trying to find it to take a video. Suddenly, I hear what sounds like a SUPER loud cicada very close. Catch some movement out of the corner of my eye, and there it is. A rattler a foot off the trail, about 5 feet long, thick as my arm, and the motion I see is it coiling up as if to strike. Me and Overkill and I carefully slid by as far away as possible and left the idiot that is pissing off this venomous viper to his own ends. That was one angry snake!
I’m having a very bad back day.
We met Dana at 7:30 at the parking lot .2 miles up the road from Ensign Cowell shelter. I decided to try switching to one of my other packs. It can’t make my back any worse, can it? I’m switching to my Six Moons Design Swift X pack. This is a very different style pack . It uses a vest harness instead of a traditional set of pack straps. This transfers some weight to the chest/core. I also have this pack rigged with a VERY sturdy hip belt suitable for an expedition-style pack. The goal is to have the super sturdy belt transfer even more load to my hips. That with the chest vest MAY give my back some relief. Or I may totally screw myself up. Since Dana is also meeting us tomorrow afternoon , I can test drive this pack on the trail for about 7 hours before we meet Dana again.
Dana also brought us Subway and sodas and water! Love that girl!
We got settled into the shelter late…8:45. There were already 2 other guys in the shelter, but there is plenty of room. In bed about 10:00.
We have 12 miles to meet Dana and drive into Waynesboro, PA to resupply and get lunch. The plan is to meet at 2:30. Then we have 6 miles to get to Tumbling Run shelter for the night. Our first 6 miles are a bit of a workout but fairly chill after that. I need to finish setting up my new pack in the morning as well as figuring out how to best load it up in a way that helps my back.
I REALLY hope this new pack helps my back issues. My pack isn’t the sole cause of my issues, but I’m sure it contributes a lot.
Day 91 Map – Crampton Gap shelter to Ensign Cowall shelter
Up at 6:30. Had a decent breakfast at the hotel. Moving a little slow this morning. Got packed and loaded into the car by 7:45. Dana drove us back to Keys Gap for our 5-mile trek down into Harper’s Ferry. Will see her again on Sunday briefly before moving north into Pennsylvania.
On trail at 8:10… mid-70s, overcast, no breeze. Going up to mid-80s with a chance of rain all day.
Stopped for a quick break at 9:10 and 2.5 miles in.
Crossed the Shenandoah into Harper’s Ferry about 11:00 on Route 340
Chuck crossing over the Shenandoah river bridgeChuck crossing over the Shenandoah river bridge
We got to the ATC visitor center in Harper’s Ferry at 11:00. Got our official pictures take. And added to the yearbook. I am a thru-hiker number 1155 in the 2024 yearbook. Got a soda and a snack, topped off my water, and chatted with the staff for a while. Back on trail at 12:00.
Chuck at ATC HQ in Harpers Ferry
Crossed the Potomac on the railroad bridge. I was playing tour guide.
Crossing the Patomac River footbridge into MarylandTrain tunnel…welcome to Maryland
Took the C&O canal tow path out of Harper’s Ferry and crossed Route 340 again.
Hiking the C&O Canal tow pathCrossing under US 340
Stopped at 1:00 for lunch where the AT heads off the tow path. Passed under Route 340 for a third time.
Crossing under US 340 again
Got to Weaverton Cliffs at 2:15. Nice view from the cliffs up to Harper’s Ferry where we just came from.
View from Weaverton CliffsChuck at Weaverton Cliffs
It has been drizzling for the past hour or so. Humidity has gotten really bad even though the temps are only in the mid-80s. Ick.
Stopped at Ed Garvey shelter at 3:40 for a break and to plan the rest of today and tomorrow. We are going to Crampton Gap tonight. 4.1 more miles.
Made it to Gathland State Park at 5:30. Used the facilities and filled up on good potable water. I know this area well as I park my truck here and hike about twice a month. The shelter and tent sites are just .4 miles downhill from here. I have 3 bars of cell here but doubt I’ll have any at the shelter if memory serves me.
Overkill getting water at Gathland State Park
Loaded up with 4 liters of water as there is none at the shelter and hiked the .3 miles to Crampton Gap Shelter at 6:15. We are the only ones at the shelter so far. Camp all set up and starting dinner at 7:00. 2 bars cell service. We may get some rain before midnight and then lots of wind until 7:00 a.m.
Crampton Gap Shelter
Good weather most of the day and easy trails. My back issues were the real limiting factor on us only doing 17.3 instead of 22 miles. We will shoot for 20 tomorrow and 18 the next day.
It felt odd hiking back home today and thru-hiking on all the trails that I normally day hike on. And crossing so many roads that I drive on all the time. If only my back would stop hurting we could really be moving and having a good time.
Sunday August 27, 2023. Mid-80s, 70% humidity, clear, no breeze.
Starting a 7 day 6 night section hike NOBO (North Bound) from Pen Mar on the MD/PA border to Duncannon, PA on the Susquehanna.
This is supposed to be shakedown hike in preparation for my AT thru-hike attempt in 2024. I need to shakedown my gear and my mind. The hardest part of a thru hike is the mental game, assuming you have your gear nailed down and know how to best use it all.
Total pack weight is 27.7lb with a base weight of 17.6 lbs. 2.75 liters of water.
Pitcrew dropped me off at 1:00 at Pen Mar park (mile 1067) and walked with me to the trail head. I planned this to be a short day with the mid-day start.
Pen Mar Park AT trailhead 2023
There were a few very steep uphills, but not a bad hike overall. Saw a few day hikers near Pen Mar, but quickly dropped to no people after about 2 miles.
Mason Dixon line on the AT 2023
The bugs were bad and zero wind did not help. I recently switched from using 100% DEET to a more friendly Picaridin insect repellent. 100% DEET is great but it can dissolve plastics and other synthetic fabrics. I am starting to think that switching was a mistake. I miss my 100% DEET!
I made it to Tumbling Run shelter (1075.6) around 5:45. This is a very nice location with a pair of shelters, a covered seating area, and a fire pit. Nice spring about .15 miles from shelter.
Tumbling Run Shelter on the AT 2023
Mixed up water and Drank Mike’s Recovery Mix (256 calories) and had that while I cooled down before getting camp set up for the night.
Chatted briefly with a day hiker who was going up tot the summit to watch the sunset. Did not see anybody else the entire night.
Gathered 3 liters of water in my dirty water bag, filtered it with my Sawyer squeeze filter, and filled up my water bottles. Saved about 1.5 liters for tomorrow morning.
Changed into my dry camp clothes (shorts and short sleeve shirt), strung a clothes line, and hung up my soaked sweaty clothes to dry out as best possible by morning.
Dinner was a Mountain House rice and chicken dehydrated meal with more dehydrated chicken added for calories and protein (710 calories total).
Settled into a shelter with my quilt and pillow about 8:40.
Wednesday, June 21, 2023. Overcast, 62 degrees going up to 75, and increasing rain all day.
Woke at 6:30. Charger at 62%. No rain last night!! Fairly decent sleep for the trail.
Up at 7:00. Got human by 7:30. Packed up and eating breakfast at 8:00. Cold breakfast today. Bagels and nut butter.
I woke up all antsy and stressed. It’s 19 miles to Pen Mar Park and one massive uphill in last 6 miles. Gonna rain all afternoon. Given my foot and pack issues yesterday, I am calling it early. Also, heavy rain all day tomorrow. Going to go 8 miles to Ensign Carroll shelter and Pitcrew will pick me up about 12:30 to 1:00. I cancelled the hostel in Pen Mar.
Tried to poop, but no luck. Put on all my slightly drier clothes from yesterday and treated the chafing in crotch. Will see how today goes.
Very tough hike. Feet hurt a lot. Hurt left leg about mile 5. Pack hurt my shoulders…big issues. This was a death march, not a hike. Made it to Pitcrew about 2:00 in a lot of pain.
Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Up at 6:20. Extremely humid, 64 degrees going up to 78. Cloudy with chance of showers on and off.
I might have gotten 90 minutes sleep.
Tent a little damp by the doors. Mainly splash water bounced through doors. Not sure what to do about that. Shirt from yesterday damp.
Heard back from Zerodayhostile in Pen Mar. Room reserved for Wednesday night!
Started packing while breakfast cooked. Boiled water for 4:40. Had a dehydrated breakfast skillet (510) plus dehydrated sausage (240) and tea. Good! Ate at 7:25, finished at 7:50.
Great trail magic at Reno Road. Nice family with drinks and watermelon. Chatted a while and they prayed for me and my foot. Nice!
Lunch at Dahlgren campground and a 30 minute rest. Just a stinger waffle and nut butter packet.
Dahlgren Campground Maryland on the Appalachian Trail in 2023
Rested at Washington monument park shelter for 30 minutes and got water. My pack fighting me.
Fought with pack all day. Lots of tweaking. Expanded torso on pack today at 4:00. Makes load lifters better but it may be too big as it slides down my hips and I get lots of weight on shoulders. Also my back and shoulders hurt today. I had a lot of weight on shoulders instead of hips. Need a professional pack fitting.
Got to shelter at 5:30. Chilled and had recovery drink. Found a tent site and made camp. Took about 50 minutes to fully set camp. I’m trying my quilt tonight. Set tent up better today…lots of tension on all stakes is key. Charged headlamp while chilling at camp.
Pine Knob Shelter Maryland on the Appalachian Trail in 2023
My Apple Watch died as I forgot to put it in airplane mode. Charging now so I can get my hike data of it!
Fully changed clothes including underwear. Got chafing down there:( hiking clothes are all wet from sweat and humidity. It’s gonna rain tonight so I can’t rig a clothes line. Trying to dry them a bit on a rock.
Im beat and not very hungry. Eating a bag of Fritos. Not sure I will eat anything else. Got tomorrow’s food ready. Cold breakfast.
Got chafing due to humidity. Will try wet wipes and squirrel nut butter later. Should I have kept gold bond powder?
Tried to sleep about 9:15. Dozed off till 11:30. Eventually got back to sleep.
Issues and Lessons Learned:
add back second pair of underwear
need a second sweat band
second pair of socks needs to be just like primary socks
too much food
Need a better system for storing and organizing food
Protein shakes good, using camp cup and stirring bad
how to prevent crotch chafing when wet, humid, raining
foot pain – talk to doctor – balls of feet, heels, Achilles
Monday, June 19, 2023. Overcast, 85 degrees and humid.
Day 1 of my first shakedown. Carrying my Six Moons Designs Swift X pack with the Vest Harness.
Ate a big lunch with Pitcrew at 2:00 at the diner in Frederick then drove to trail head. Pitcrew dropped me off for the start of a 4 day hike on the AT.
Started hiking at 14:40. The climb up to Weaverton was a lot harder with 33lbs! Lots of day hikers.
From top of Weaverton to Ed Garvey shelter I only saw one day hiker. There were 2 section hikers at the shelter. Took a 30 minute break and had a nice chat with an 81 year old section hiker. Doing same as me, but SOBO from Pen Mar.
Oops…I left my reading glasses at Ed Garvey but figured it out in only .25 miles. Went back and got them.
Headed to Gathland park for water and rest. Passed one thru hiker and what seemed to be a scout group on a day hike SOBO. Loaded up on water including 3 liters in CNOC.
Gathland park, Maryland and water. First shakedown hike, 2023.Gathland park, Maryland hauling extra water. First shakedown hike, 2023.
Hiked .4 miles to Crampton Gap shelter. There were 2 guys in shelter and 2 tents by shelter. Hiked about 200 yards uphill to the real camp sites. About 6-8 prepared sites with a bench, fire pit, and tent site each. Finished hiking at 19:00.
Right heel hurting again and both feet on the balls of feet. I’m wearing my Salomon hiking boots. I think the heel just had too much movement, but if I tie down a lot that hurts my feet worse. Surgery spot is a little uncomfortable but not bad. Almost no swelling!
Got camp all set up in 30 min. Sent Pitcrew a video of the camp setup. Brought everything inside due to rain.
Crampton Gap MD campsite on first shakedown hike in 2023
Decided to not eat dinner. Just had my recovery drink mix. Just not hungry and it’s getting dark and raining at 8:30. I did have a very big lunch intentionally. Finished cleaning dishes just before rain started! Got my food and other stuff hung on bear pole. Used tent dry bag as second bear hang bag. I have too much food. Will see how wet things are in the morning.
Rigged up a clothes line in tent for shirt and socks and hand towel. So far it is dry in here, just humid. I won’t need my quilt with this temp and humidity. Should stay above 60 all night. Just using the liner.
The camp slippers are working surprisingly well. Probably not as good tomorrow after rain, but will see.
Lightning and heavy rain at 10:30pm. Read until 11:30. Pulled on socks and long sleeve shirt around 3:00am.
