Hike #9 From Doubt to Delight: A Newbie’s Unexpected Fondness of the AT
Hike #9 June 28, 2024 – 8.5 Miles – Millers Gap Road (just south of PA 850) to Bernheisel Bridge Road (just south of 81)
You want everyone to love the AT, but when you bring someone along who has never been on the AT, let alone hiked before, you start to wonder if you really screwed up. Yes, these thoughts entered my mind about 3 hours into our drive and 30 minutes before meeting Mike, our shuttle driver to the trailhead. The oh shit, oh shit, oh shit started echoing in my head. I kept reminding myself that she is in great shape, she works out all the time, she is young, etc. and then I just accepted the fact that it was too late to turn back. I accepted the fact that if today didn’t go well, and Lauren hated the AT, hiking, or even more time stuck with me, we could just head home instead of hiking tomorrow.
When we arrived at Bernheisel Bridge Road, Mike was waiting for us right next to the adorable little farm stand that he shared with us and whose owners are a Mennonite family whose farm is on the property.
We had all of our gear for the hike ready in the trunk and managed not to forget anything. We loaded into Mike’s XL Denali and headed to our starting point for today, which was north on Millers Gap Road. We drove quite a while, and off in the distance, Mike pointed out the mountain range we would be hiking over today. I tried to see Lauren’s expression, but she was still gazing out the window. When we arrived, I did my best to share the new wisdom I had gained from my amazing AGC guides, Jodi, Claire, and Tori, with Lauren. She made a few bag adjustments and pole adjustments, and we set out on Lauren’s first hike. My fingers were crossed.
The trail quickly rolled into the mountains, then upon our first of two main climbs. Lauren motored up the mountain like the energizer bunny. She didn’t seem daunted by the second, larger climb, either. We ran into at least 10+ thru-hikers, which was fun, and spent some time with Sage and his dog (we believe it was a border collie). Sage is from Washington State, and he has already completed the Pacific Crest Trail. He and his dog were hoping to make it into Duncannon today to restock supplies.
Lauren and I breezed through her first AT hike pretty quickly, completing the 8.5 mile trek ending at my car parked next to the Mennonite farm stand. The little boy named Josh, who runs the farm stand, saw us coming and quickly ran into the shed to greet us. Josh, who we are guessing is 7 or 8 years old, recorded our purchases in his notebook and counted out our change. You couldn’t miss his little ears, which flipped over below the rim of his hat, his adorable, squeaky yet confident voice; and his tiny hands, which were stained with what we were hoping were blueberries.
Next stop: Pheasant Field, our bed and breakfast. The lovely innkeepers, Kevin and Amy, quickly welcomed us, and we were very happy with all of our accommodations. They made some excellent dinner recommendations, and we discussed our plans for an early departure to hit the trails again in the morning. I think Lauren liked the AT!!!!
We had a delicious dinner at Momma Spriggs, in Carlise, PA, and then I enjoyed walking the grounds and talking about future plans for Pheasant Field with Kevin.
Lauren and I both had to squeeze in a little bit of client work and prepare for our hike in the morning before turning in for the night. I have to admit, I was a bit relieved that today wasn’t a fail. I don’t think everyone would enjoy hiking the AT but I also knew she had a little cra-cra (crazy) in her.
