I stumbled across the official 2019 halfway marker about 0.5 miles after leaving the shelter this morning. I’m glad that I didn’t miss it entirely. I also found the original halfway point marker of the AT.
It poured last night and today was still near 100% humidity so the trail never dried out. Having my feet wet all day completely wrecked them and me. I finally took off my hiking shoes and did the last 3 miles to camp in the crocs I use for camp shoes. I had to do something to keep the blisters from getting worse.
My plan now is to go back to Brooks shoes, the same brand that work for the first 500 miles. The outfitter in Boiling Springs carried a lot of shoes, but no the Books – so I’m keeping the Merrells for now. Maybe Duncannon will have a better shoe supply.
I’m posted up at a hostel for the night, it’s a bed in someone’s detached garage but it’s the nicest thing I’ve seen in a while and it’ll be good for the night. I was able to get my laundry done to lessen the wet dog smell, take a hot shower, and soak my feet in Epson salt. I’ll probably be taping up my toes tomorrow to keep the blisters down.
Turnip and Snake Eyes are only 1 day ahead at this point. I should catch them any day now.
Day 96 Mileage: 22.9 mi [Tom’s Run Shelter -> Boiling Springs]
Total Mileage: 1132.2 mi