Day 86: William Penn Shelter to Rattling Run

Today's Miles: 20.7

Total Miles: 1021.4

It felt good to be back to decent miles today, and I was able to do more than I had originally planned for. I was correct about my little squirrel visitor last night. When I went to put on my shoes, I found an acorn placed carefully in the heel of each one. Sorry little guy, you didn't pick a very good hiding place.

The morning was easy. The trail followed on a grassy ridge for awhile. There were a lot of fallen limbs from yesterday's little storm all over the trail and a fresh blanket of leaves disguising all the rocks. It was flat, but my shoes were soon soaked from the dew-covered grass. I stopped early for lunch so I could dry them out some. The sun was starting to peek through the trees, so it was nice to sit and enjoy it for a minute. I had a fairly steep descent, where I had to cross quite a few roads. Somehow I passes Route 72 three times. I'm actually still not sure how the trail managed that one. 

There was actually a small mountain I had to go over with a noticeable ascent and descent on both sides. Lately it's just been an ascent to the ridgeline where I stay for a while, so this was a nice change even though I did end up on the ridge shortly after. 

I got to the campsite I intended to stay at before 4:00. I figured it would be good to put in a few extra miles and stealth near the next water source. I was confident there would be a stealth site here to camp. There are tons all over PA, and having one by water is almost a guarantee since it's such a scarcity around here. There was supposed to be a side trail here to an old coal mining settlement that I was tempted to check out, but I pushed on. I made it to Rattling Run by 5:00, which is still much earlier than I usually finish the day. I often find myself trying to beat the setting sun, but today I had time to set up my tent, cook, clean up, and just relax before it got dark. My tent is tucked into a spot between the rhododendron bushes alongside the water. I'm hoping the relaxing atmosphere of the location will result in a restful sleep tonight. 

This is why it's recommended that people don't let balloons go free. They just end up tangled in a tree on a mountain somewhere. This is the 4th one I've seen on the hike so far.