June 16 Maryland

West Virginia was less than 10 miles, Maryland is close to 40, and Pennsylvania is about 230. Maryland has been fairly flat (as far as mountains go). We will be in Pennsylvania tomorrow. We know it will be filled with rocks similar I expect to the picture I took of the trail today. This is an area we have to watch for copperhead snakes. The rocks get tiresome on the feet. It also slows us down because we have to choose our steps carefully.

As we have gone through the historic districts down here, it makes me think of all who have made sacrifices for our country. We have looked over many graves, battlegrounds and more To think of the freedom we have today because of the many who were and are willing to die for it. I am so thankful.

We found a nice field to sleep in tonight so we will be able to enjoy the stars. Mom asked us how we know where we will stop for the day. We follow a trail book by AWOL. It gives us mile markers, water sources, shelter info, elevations and so on. We think of where we would like to go and then wherever we are at 7PM, we have to locate a camp before dark. Or we may come across a cool spot we want to stay and call it a day. Sometimes our feet or body has just had enough so we stop. Our plans are always a rough outline. We try to average near 17 miles a day with a zero day each week.

Sweet dreams.