7/7/99 Tag Run Shelter   Miles Today : 17.2 Miles to Katahdin : 1076.8

All sorts of good things happened today, but still low mileage. This morning, we left early from the shelter area and cruised into Pine Grove Furnace State Park to attempt the 1/2 gallon challenge. Colorado and I opted for the vanilla/peanut butter swirl while DB opted for the cherry jubilee.

In addition to just trying to finish, we also heard that the record was 16 minutes, the race was on. While I got off to a great start, I slowed at the end since the entire middle of my ice-cream was a brick of almost solid peanut butter. DB finished at the 19 minute mark with me just behind at 20. Colorado, on the other hand, had a few more problems with his ice-cream. He picked and picked for almost an hour. At one point his head actually fell into the bucket of ice-cream.

So what are 3 thru-hikers to do after gorging on 3200 calories? Have a cheeseburger of course (yes, I did). Then we were ready to swim at the public beach. It was quite busy there but the water was so refreshing that it didn't matter. On the way out of the shelter we walked by a giant furnace used during the Revolutionary War to make weapons. Very interesting.

About a mile after the park, I came to the official half-way marker! Again, not for me but exciting nonetheless.

At camp, we decided that I may let DB and Colorado move ahead. First, Colorado is getting off in Conn. Since he needs to get back to school. Also, at some point I am taking a couple of days off to see Michelle and her family in PA. Who knows, it will all work out.

Tomorrow, I am going for my longest day: 27 miles. It will be a perfect day for the attempt since the temps will be in the 80's and there is a 12 mile flat spot.

-Chomp

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