Psychologically speaking, I'm halfway there.

Day 60 - 6/15/10
Very happy with my start today, was up and out by 6. I think that's
the earliest yet. I finished up my ride on the rollercoaster, about 4
miles. The nice thing about it too was that I finished by 8am in semi-
cool weather. Actually the whole day was pretty cool, to the point
where I was cold if I stopped. Partly due to the drizzling rain we had
for most of the day, and partly because of my damp sweaty clothes.

I bypassed the Blackburn AT Center, my goal from the previous day that
I didn't reach (blast that infernal Bears Den!!! Just kidding), but
stopped in at David Lesser Memorial shelter for lunch. Thank god I did
too because I had an urge to #2 out of nowhere, and almost didn't make
it. I don't ever want to cut it that close again. So I had lunch, and
another hiker named Avatar pulled in. He started right around the same
time as me, but I had really only met him briefly before. We talked
for a while, and I asked him about all these hikers we both knew from
way in the beginning. He had seen them more recently than me so he
filled me in.

I left, then did the next 9.2 right into Harper's Ferry, the
psychological halfway point. So long, Virginia! Glad to be done with
you. Although we had some good times, I think it'd be for the best if
we don't see each other again for a while. Please don't take offense.
Anyway Harper's Ferry is very cool, so much rich history here that I'm
convinced I'll return someday just to learn about and experience all
of that. I've already got a future vacation planned that starts in
Waynesboro (for Ming's buffet of course), goes through Skyline drive,
then ends here in historic HF. Not a bad trip, eh?

I went to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), and did my picture
for the records. They have everyones picture from all the past years,
not even sure how far back it goes. It was neat to look through and
see some people I recognize from this years. After that I went down to
the outfitters for a few things, a hat, sunscreen, and new socks. Then
I met up with Yul (the Mule), Toothpick, and Little Aspen at this bar/
pub for late lunch early dinner. The latter two are a couple from
Maine, both very cool. I met them my last day in the Shenandoahs. Yul
I know from a ways back. So I had a burger and a soda, both very good.
They actually had Mr. Pibb, which I couldn't resist.

I wasn't sure if I wanted to hike on or stay in town, and as time went
by I found myself not moving. I decided to check a nearby hostel,
Town's Inn, to see if there was any spaces left, but they were full
up. The thing was, some of the spots were being reserved. By then it
was close to 7:30, so it was getting pretty late to hike on. I
lingered around because I had a feeling that the hikers might not
show, and by 9:30 they still hadn't so I was able to get a bunk after
all. I told myself after tonight I won't stay in a hostel for a long
time, I'm starting to get spoiled and too comfortable. I need to get
back to the woods! Gotta say though, this is a very cool place. Small,
but cozy and inviting.

I've decided no 4-state challenge for me, which you probably guessed
by now considering that I'm already in Harper's. This decision was
mostly based on the fact that I started taking the Lyme disease
medication. I'm still not sure if I have it, but the tick bite hasn't
disappeared, and it's larger, more red, and very itchy. After a few
consultations I went ahead and decided to start the meds. Hopefully I
don't get any of the negative side effects. That was why I bought the
hat and sunscreen, to ward off the increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Guess I'll be sporting a new look for a couple weeks!

Total miles: 1014