June 25, 2004

Upon arrival at the official halfway point, Pine Grove Furnace State Park's Store, hikers attempt the half gallon ice cream challenge.  This is a traditional celebration which dates back to at least 1979.  Being from Cincinnati, and an avid ice cream lover of Graeters and United Dairy Farmers, I was determined to meet the challenge.

A hiker named Willy Wonka has the fastest 2004 time so far at 16 plus minutes.  I selected my flavor carefully choosing Hershey's Moose Tracks which I hope isn't a jinx for my trip northward.  I hear the moose are monstrous!  Christina, Bruce and Britty, you can be proud.  Your mom consumed an entire half gallon in well over an hour and fulfilled my dairy needs for at least a week.  I was rewarded with a little wooden ice cream spoon which reads...Member of the Half Gallon Club.