We hiked this section on April 6, 2008.
Rocksylvania started out easy. This was our last hike with Fairway before she left for her thru-hike. 2 section hikers passed us at the stream before we started to ascend this mountain. The climb was definitely challenging and we got our first taste of the PA rocks.
Dirigo ascending Cove Mountain
Everyone carefully placed their feet around the sharp rocks. We saw several trees that had probably been hit by lightning.
By the time we reached the shelter (Cove Mountain Shelter) our dogs were barking! I think everyone took their boots off to give their feet a break. We reached the shelter just as the 2 section hikers were leaving. The sign on the shelter warned of porcupines. This shelter replaced the Thelma Marks Memorial shelter after thru-hikers Geoff Hood and Molly LaRue were murdered in 1990 by a homeless wanderer.
The view from Hawk Rock was very nice and we could see the river.
Hawk Rock
It was a very steep descent with shaky steps and debris in the way. The guide book said that this is not a section in which to try to make up time.
This stretch of the trail reminded me of a mini-Saddle trail.
Rock slide
Hiking down this mountain with rocks moving underneath your boots is not very fun! As soon as Python reached the bottom, she got her boots off ASAP because her dogs were screaming!
When we got into Duncannon Dirigo said several people waved at us from their cars and a local gentleman at a gas station asked us how far we had hiked. A map in the center of town claimed that Duncannon was the half-way point of the Appalachian Trail.
Duncannon Sign
Mural in Duncannon
We stopped at the very smoky Doyle for a soda.
Doyle
The bartender, John, was very nice and offered to take our picture for their collection. Unfortunately,
his digital camera was not working. But, he did let us see a binder with old photos of the town and hotel.