Susquehannock Trail Thru Hike: Day Two - A Journey of Resilience and Mystery
The second day of the Susquehannock Trail thru hike was a test of endurance and a journey into the unknown. The hiker, armed with a sense of adventure and a dry tent, awoke to a pleasant surprise: no condensation and a night's rest in a bug-free shelter. The morning brought a cup of tea and a friendly encounter with a fellow hiker and his fishing dogs. The trail ahead, however, was a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.
The hiker's tendonitis, a lingering issue, threatened to slow their progress. The decision to leave waterproof shoes behind proved to be a mistake, as the shoes were now flat. Despite the setback, the trail offered a mix of beauty and mystery. Rare flowers, old camp sites, and the looming presence of Ole Bull State Park provided a sense of wonder. But the real surprise came in the form of a haunted hilltop trail, Spook Hollow.
According to the STS Guidebook, this part of Pennsylvania is haunted by elusive creatures known as the Hide-Behinds. These mysterious beings, always alert, hide behind objects to avoid detection. The hiker, despite their limping, somehow avoided becoming a target. The trail's quietness and the absence of the Hide-Behinds added to the intrigue.
As the day progressed, the hiker made a decision that would shape the rest of their journey. With tendonitis dragging their right leg, they planned to start the next day early, aiming to reach Crossfork, PA, by 1100. The shelter, a dry haven, provided a place to hang wet gear and cook dinner. The hiker's determination and resilience were on full display, even in the face of mystery and physical challenges.
The Susquehannock Trail thru hike, with its mix of natural beauty and supernatural intrigue, is a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure and explore. The hiker's journey continues, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and a desire to uncover the secrets of Spook Hollow.
