|
As always, when stopping in town, we got off to a late start. Sardine, Two Ton Mantis, Sven, and I all left together at about 1:00. A few locals had told us there was a cliff jump approximately a 5 minute walk off the A.T. We all agreed we had to stop, especially considering the weather. – It was sunny but mild, no humidity and virtually cloudless. Quite a change from yesterday’s deluge!! This was a great way to take advantage of the beautiful day (besides hiking, of course!) We had to walk out of Port Clinton about a mile to a road which would then take us to a side trail which went to the river. (I don’t know the name.) Once at the river, we would have to swim across to the cliff. The directions were perfect so we had no trouble finding the cliff! From the somewhat sandy river beach, we changed into clothes we didn’t mind getting wet and commented that the cliff didn’t look very high. Shortly after arriving, we were all changed and ready to swim to the opposite, rocky shore. Sardine, Two Ton Mantis and Sven would be the first to make the jump while I remained behind to take the photos. The river’s current was strong and the water was chilly. As they moved through the water, I took a couple of test shots to ensure the camera’s settings were optimized correctly. Like I said, from the shore to the cliff looked less than intimidating- but once they had climbed to the top and looked down to the water, they had to take a minute to gather their composure! I was impatiently hollering, “Come on!! Jump”! A quick response from Two Ton Mantis – and I was quiet - just waiting for his courage to help him leap off. Then it happened! He leaped and soared for a few seconds until he splashed into the water below. I hardly had time to snap the picture. Two Ton came to the surface with and energetic, adrenaline-pumping holler like a scream. I couldn’t wait for my turn. Sven followed with a safe pencil-style (feet first) jump. Sardine did the same. They all jumped 2 or 3 times, gaining confidence with each turn. Finally, it was my turn! After instructing Sven on how to use my camera, I swam across the river to the shore. The water was cold, but after a few seconds it was quite comfortable. Besides, my adrenaline was pumping, too, just from watching their jumps. I climbed to the highest cliff and only then did I understand why it took a minute for them to jump! From the cliff, up there looking down, it was much higher than it appeared from the shore. I stood mustering my courage, and with a sudden burst, I jumped. The first jump was a safe pencil- style technique to test the depth of the water for my own confidence. Yes, it was deep enough; I didn’t bottom out! As a result, my second jump was a bit more daring and my third pushed my luck with a head-first dive! But for my forth jump, I upped the stakes! I performed my “flying squirrel” dive off the forty foot cliff!! This dive is my signature “crazy –out –of –mind” dive in which I leap and grab both ankles with my hands behind my arched back. I hold that position for as long as I can before plummeting into the water. A rush, to say the least. The guys across the shore watched in amazement and gave me a big “Way to go, Dawg!” when I returned to the shore. After those dives, I was satisfied and felt very alive!! The climb from the river valley wasn’t strenuous when you have good juice surging through your veins. We easily knocked out the 1000 foot climb to the ridge-walk in no time at all. The trail was rocky, but it was expected in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania rocks are notorious and most hikers despise them. I don’t mind too much, I suppose. Trail is trail!! There were two great vistas to speak of. The first was Pulpit Rock (1210.4 miles). I’m not sure why they call it this, but it was a great view of the farmland valley below. Visibility remained good, too- we were fearful of rain clouds blowing in and obstructing our view. We all hung out here for a “pack-off” break for about 20 minutes, just absorbing all the beauty in silence. The second view, The Pinnacle, (1212.6 miles and 1,632 feet in elevation) offered similar views, so we just took a short water break and pushed onward to the Eckville Shelter (1217.9 mile). It was getting late and we were losing light. The Eckville Shelter is an old garage that has been converted into a small shelter. It has running water and electricity- and even a well stocked 1950’s fridge filled with sodas and snacks. Moreover, there was a flushing privy! And a solar shower! It was nearly 8:00 pm when we walked in there so food and sleep were on our minds. It was a great way to end a great day!! We knocked out 15.3 miles today!
Not too much to speak of happened today; just a routine day hiking in the woods. Rocks are getting worse in the size, frequency, and distance we have to travel over them (typically sections that are ¼ to ¾ mile at a time). They slow us down and our feet feel like hamburger from the constant pounding. Weather held for us but remained overcast the entire day. I hiked most of the day alone. I stopped at Dan’s Spring(1222.1 mile) to get water and decided it was a great place to rest. I read for an hour then pushed on north. I met many nice day hikers and stopped to chat occasionally. They are always curious to speak to thru-hikers. When I reached Bake Oven Knob Shelter (1235.3 mile), I crashed. This shelter is old and small. Mr. T and Flint were here; it was good to see them again. Mr. T’s hip was hurting from all the rocks so they had done a 10 mile day. Early to bed- early to rise. I have a 24 mile day planned for tomorrow. Goodnight!
What a day!! 23.5 miles but a great day! I wish all days could be like today-it all went just as smooth as could be! We was up and out at 8:30 am. The terrain and grade was easy coming into Lehigh Gap. We stopped and picked our first good blueberries. The views were incredible and clear. At George W. Outerbridge Shelter(1242.1 mile) we took a small break the walked on to Lehigh Gap. From here Sardine, Tr. T., Flint and I hitched into Palmerton for Sunday lunch. It was an easy hitch and in no time at all we were enjoying foot-long sandwiches. Our ride back to the trail came from a car dealership next to the Subway. A saleswoman asked us if the were hiking. “Yes,” we replied. Several minutes of conversation had passed when I half- jokingly asked if we could get a ride back to the trail head. She asked us to hold on a minute while she checked. Sure enough, moments later, the lot-boy cam with a used but “for sale” Ford Explorer. We all 4 piled in and off we went out of Palmerton. We had heard the climb from Lehigh Gap was tough and rocky, but at this point in the “big walk” we all had learned to take lightly others’ comments about certain sections of the trail. There are too many different variables in the “Is it tough or not?” equation. Some people are not in as good a physical condition as others; some carry more weight; others hate climbs and love descents; some people truly love rocks while others, like me, dislike them. Additionally, attitude and mental health on any given day are important variables- as well as weather conditions. So, you just never know what to believe. I personally loved the climb out of the Gap. The vistas were breath-taking and I got some great pictures of us climbing the rocks to the summit. There were some technical sections that required a hand (or two) to assist your balance and to help heave your pack us a steep rock, but overall it was awesome and different than anything we have come across so far. I felt like I was in the desert all of a sudden. Once on the ridge, it was easy grad, but again-- more technical rock-hopping. This type of terrain is sure to slow the pace. By this point, my feet were beginning to feel the rocks more and more; each step caused a throb that caused my knees to buckle funny. I expected it, too – but it’s never fun to feel it coming on. Most hikers have no doubt by now taken some pain killers or anti- inflammitorys, but I chose not to. In fact, thus far, I have not taken any such medications. I just don’t feel the need for them. At any rate, it did not take long for the difference in everyone’s pace to separate our group of four; by now, we were walking alone to our own beats, stopping for rest or water as needed. It wasn’t until Smith Gap Road (1255.3 miles) that I saw anyone else in our group. Wonder Boy (a south bounder in 2003) was waiting here with snacks and a cooler of drinks for us. When I arrived, there just have been 10 people at the road. I stopped and removed my pack for about ½ hour and took a much needed breather. I played fetch with the dogs, then headed on out for the last 3 miles to the Leroy A. Smith Shelter (1258.8 miles). Backdraft and I walked it in about 45 minutes. I’ve known and hiked with Backdraft for a few hundred miles, but this was the first time we really “talked” other than just a quick conversation. He is from Texas and a really smart, stand-up guy. I found we have several things in common. At the shelter we had eight of us staying for the night. We played the “Name That Band” game I spoke of a few days ago. With more people playing, it was more fun and interesting. We finally called it a night about 11:45 or midnight. I was pooped. It’s another 20 mile day tomorrow to make it to Delaware Water Gap. It will also be my last day to walk in Pennsylvania—YEAH! I don’t think I’ll ever walk this state again!!
I was first to rise this morning. I wanted to avoid predicted late afternoon showers. I slept decent, but had some wild dreams early morning which was why I was up so early. I packed up quickly as did my fellow hikers. We were on the trail by 9:00 am or so. Not long after Sardine, Two Ton Mantis, Sven, and I left the shelter, it began to rain. At first, it was a light sprinkle, but by the time we reached Wind Gap (1263.4 miles) it had turned into a “no holds downpour”. It doesn’t take long to get wet, either. In just a few minutes, we were all soaked to the core. There is a saying on the trail, “You can’t get wetter that wet!” It’s true- you can’t! Most of the rain I have encountered so far on my journey has been intermittent, meaning only a few hours at a time. But this day the rain was relentless. It rained soft, then hard, then soft, then hard again. Today was the most rain I’ve had to walk in – in my entire trip. And rain combined with Pennsylvania’s rocks is a lethal mix. Having to pound over hard, uneven, slick and slimy surfaces destroyed my feet. They were on fire by thee time I reached the hostel. And my knees ached as well—severely ached!! I don’t think I could have walked one more mile!! The water saturated my boots making them heavier and just to lift them was an effort. I was SOOOO happy to end this day of hiking! When I arrived at the hostel, I realized my pack cover had collected about a pound of water under it, which added even more weight to carry! Jeez! At least I had dry clothes to change in to. Later, we went to the next town to see a movie, “I’ Robot” which turned out to be a pretty decent flick. I was just happy to be warm and dry. When we left the theater, it was STILL raining!!!
It was not in my original plan, but I decided to dry out and take a zero day. My feet and knees were beat up from yesterday’s hike. I went to town to do laundry, go to the library, and resupply toiletries at CVS. Thanks to Lois for a ride into town. I paid $2.00 for a shuttle from the local outfitters to get back to the hostel. I thought about leaving after “town chores” but it was almost 2:00pm by then, I hadn’t eaten lunch and I still needed to go to the post office to bounce my box ahead to Vernon, New Jersey, my next food drop resupply. When I thought about it, I would have to make it to the Vernon post office before noon Saturday to be able to pick up my package. That would be pushing it. Since my body was hurting from Pennsylvania’s rocks, I decided to zero here instead of Sunday. Now, I can walk out tomorrow, be in Vernon Sunday, pick up my package Monday morning and be back on the trail that afternoon. They say New Jersey is not so rocky. I’m happy about that!! Hope it’s true! OH! One more thing- Less that 900 miles remaining!!
Email 2 - July 28th
|
