(Annapolis Rocks (mile 1050.5) - PA Route 16 (mile 1069.6) *overnight in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania*)

I left camp around 8am this morning without eating breakfast. After hiking just over a mile, I stopped to eat and appreciate the view at Black Rock Cliffs overlooking Interstate 70 as it passed through the Maryland countryside. The morning hiking was gorgeous, and I couldn’t help but reflect on what a shame it would be to burn through this section of trail trying to complete the “four state challenge.” The goal of the four state challenge is to start in Virginia and then hike through West Virginia, Maryland, and into Pennsylvania in less than 24 hours. That’s roughly 44 miles of hiking. In other words, two relatively average length days crammed into one day. Everyone I’ve talked to who’s done it says it’s miserable. It also usually takes at least a day of rest to recover from, so from a pacing perspective, it all comes out in the wash. I get the appeal of a crazy challenge. When I was a canoe guide these sorts of challenges appealed to me. But now, I think attempting to hike over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine is enough of a challenge. Plus, I’d rather take my time and soak in the sights Maryland has to offer.

After a little less than a mile, I passed Pogo Memorial Campsite and took my first wrong turn of the trail. I turned down a water trail as I followed a group of hikers going to get water, fortunately I realized my mistake after only about 100 yards when I saw a blue blaze on a tree. Silly me. I hiked another 8 miles and ate lunch at a small trickling waterfall.

After a few more miles I ran into 2 gentleman who were painting fresh AT blazes on trees and rocks along the trail. This was an exciting encounter because I have spent a lot of time staring at and thinking about blazes over the last 1000 miles. I have often wondered who creates them and how they are made. I stopped to chat with one of the guys and they explained the process to me:

First, he would clean the surface of tree with a metal brush. Next, he would use a toothbrush to paint the blaze onto the bark. He explained that in his experience, a toothbrush seems to work better than a paintbrush because the bristles are strong and durable. Finally, I learned that the blazes are supposed to be 2" wide by 6" tall but they often change shape (mostly widening) as a tree grows.

The next landmark I passed was a short side trail to High Rock Ledges, but I did not stop because the spot is apparently covered in bad graffiti and trash. I then passed a group of trail maintenance volunteers with backpack pressure washers who were cleaning graffiti off rocks. They explained the area is easily accessible from town thanks to an access road and parking lot next to the ledges.

After another 3.5 miles, I passed briefly through Pen Mar Park which featured a prominent sign promising Maine (which I presume meant Mt. Katahdin) was only 1080 miles away! Just north of Pen Mar Park, I crossed the Mason-Dixon Line at the border of Maryland and Pennsylvania. Not only was this the border of another state, this was also the boundary between the south and the north. It was a cool feeling to know I had literally walked from the deep south!

Another 2.5 miles brought me to PA Route 16, which was the road to get into Waynesboro. I was able to snag a quick hitch into town from Josh, a middle aged gentleman covered in tattoos driving a huge lifted Toyota Tundra. Josh lived outside of Waynesboro and was returning from an unsuccessful morel mushroom foraging expedition. He explained he often picked up hikers to take them to the Walmart just outside of town. Josh dropped me off at the Days Inn, where the man at the desk explained that my reservation had somehow been made for June 10th. Fortunately, I was able to get a room with two double beds for the same price.

I showered then went to the nearby laundromat where I started my wash and ordered takeout from a nearby hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant. I picked up my takeout - enchiladas and a tamale with sides of rice and beans - and ate it in the laundromat while I waited for my clothes to dry. Freaking delicious🤤

After finishing my food and laundry, I returned to the Days Inn to await ACs arrival before our trip to Philadelphia tomorrow.

The birth of a blaze

toothbrush and paint to create

a guide for many