6/07/06 Wednesday: Tumbling Run Shelters to Pine Grove Furnace State Park (29.5 mi)

PICTURES:
1. Another Black snake, little larger than most I have seen on this trip.
2,3,&4. Some more pleasant portions of the days walk...

Big day ahead, so I was up and out by 0650 on my way to completing what would amount to more than 30miles when you count side trips to see some sights and get water, etc... It was a gorgeous day, cool in the morning with the partly cloudy skies and a mild breeze... My first stop would be for a brunch at Caledonia State Park... There I could get water and use their very nice bathroom facilities...:)...a luxury... There were a number of folks out walking their dogs and getting fresh air and I chatted with a few people over brunch... After resting, eating, and using the facilities, I was again headed north... I was moving pretty quickly to get in these 30 miles before they would close the store at the state park... I didnt know, and had no idea when the the store would close but assumed 1730.. So that was my target... I finally rolled into Pine Grove right at 1730 to find out that they closed at 2000...:)... Plenty of time to get some real food>>>:)... I did find out that the hostel I planned to stay at that night was closed due to the innkeeper being sick... There were a number of hikers hanging out at the store/grill unsure of their next move... I started a conversation with to other hikers, a bit older than me who made arrangements to stay with a hiker who had a guest house with 3 beds... I quickly invited myself along and within 90min, "Junker" had picked all of us up, stopped at a supermarket for some resupplying and use of my debit card for cash back purposes, and finally back to his guest house which turned out to be quite a nice set up... I slepted quite well and the following day was very ready for more high milage...