Day 7 (June 29th) - BEAR DAY

Start: Tom's Run Shelter
Finish: Pine Grove State Park
Today: 3.3 mi
Total: 77.9 mi
Avg: 11.1 mi / day

We were up and off by 830 am. I filtered our water at a stream and before long I concluded this was going to be one buggy, muggy, hot, sticky, long (enough adjectives) day! Heather's knee is still hurting just as much as yesterday so we may hike into Pine Grove State Park (3.4 mi away) for a nice, short "Nero."

Along the way we passed the AT halfway point sign. Congrats to our friends who have hiked over 1090 miles to get here. For us, our halfway point will be at the start of Massachusetts (yikes).

A half mile before the state park we came to a gravel road with a few log cabins. As I walked my eyes were drawn to my right and there it was. About 80 feet away was a big (500 lb) black bear was shuffling through the brambles. It heard me and looked straight at me. I said out loud "I don't have a pic-a-nic basket!". Just as I reached for my camera Heather caught up and, thinking I was crazy, yelled at me to move on. We walked slowly making a lot of noise. Then Heather said "wait!". "What?", I asked nervously. "Take a picture," she said. Women! After I took a picture Heather and I heard another bear about 30 feet behind us so we left Yogi and Boo Boo.

We arrived at the state park and were greeted by a general store with a big porch. On the porch, out of the sun, saw a couple of old men like something from 1950. These men were discussing how lazy young people are today.

One of the reasons it was so special to arrive here, besides getting out of the sun, was the "Half Gallon Challenge.". Now that we've arrived at the halfway point, many hikers attempt this infamous (on the trail, anyway) challenge of eating a half gallon of ice cream in one hour (and keep it down). By the way a half gallon is one of those containers in the grocery store PLUS a another pint! Heather was nearly sick after about 20 spoonfuls but I, much to the dismay of my stomach, conquered that mountain of ice cream in 30 min 42 sec. I am proud to say I am officially member of the half-gallon club!!

After checking out the AT museum, a swim in the pond, a far too long walk to campsite 15, we were done for the night.

- Brian (Daddy Long Legs)