Appalachian Trail (day 52) - Yellow Springs Campsite to Black Swatara Creek Campsite / mile 1207

Big day on the trail squeaking with chipmunks.

The only goal for today was to hike good miles, I've also managed to complete a side quest and had a shower at Stay-AT-Swatara hostel which was very much needed.

After an initial climb, trail was fairly level for the whole day, rocky terrain was coming in and out of view but it was to be expected in Pennsylvania. I've met a lot of day hikers moving in big family groups, trying to take advantage of the good weather while it lasted.

In the afternoon I've met day hiker called Graff and his partner they were from New Jersey. He told me that he was trying to thru hike AT few years ago but he lost so much weight after completing 1700 miles that he had to stop hiking for medical and safety reasons. Now he was planning to section hike the remaining 500 miles to complete his journey.

I've managed to have a bigger day than expected but my food supply was running low, I was debating weather to hitchhike to Walmart tomorrow or keep on walking for one more day and resupply in the next town. Either way it wasn't a big issue, I could leave the final decision until later.

I must have seen hundred chipmunks running in front of me on trail today, it must have been their mating season as I never seen them being so chaotic and loud. Their squeaks took over the forest, even the squirrels which were notorious drama queens were staying away from this mayhem. It was quite funny but I was getting worried to not step on one of them as they been running all around me.