Category: June 1 – June 28

Day 90 Little Gap Rd to PA 33 (15.4 miles) 1278.1 miles total

Didn’t get hiking until about 10 as waited for restaurant where I tented to open for breakfast. Eggs Benedict. What a treat!

Early on I stubbed my toe. Lots of hopping, ows and other verbal expressions! Didn’t bother much after a bit.

About 2:30 I passed a young lady (Tattoo) who I had met at yesterday’s trail magic. We had the normal hiker conversation. What did you think about yesterday’s climb? How far are you planning to go today? She asked where I stayed last night. Had to think about that for a second. During that second of non-focus on trail and rocks, I crashed!

Next thing I knew, I was face down kissing a rock. It was a pretty bad fall on the rocks. As I laid on ground trying to assess and regroup, I saw drops of blood. Figured I had smashed my face on rock.

After a minute or 2 I was able to get up. Tattoo, who was extremely concerned, told me my head and face were blood-free. Not so for my left elbow and forearm. Bloody mess.

I assumed nothing was broken as I could move my arm and make a fist. Wind Gap, PA and a hotel where 4.5 miles ahead. No choice but to hike on.

Adrenaline is a powerful thing. My mind was very clear and focused and my legs were strong…for the first couple miles. Then the adrenaline started wearing off.

I got a bit ahead of Tattoo and ran into her hiking partner who was waiting for her. As I couldn’t really see my elbow and forearm that well, I showed him just to confirm no bones sticking out or anything. I had not done that with Tattoo as I had traumatized her enough.

He said just looked like a lot of scrapes and cuts. Offered me some water to rinse off.

Made it down to road to town about 4:30. Thought I could hitch a ride to hotel but apparently people are apprehensive about picking up a homeless looking guy with blood all over his arm and hand. Luckily Uber was available here.

When I got to hotel, I was able to look at arm in mirror. Gnarly! I then also noticed knee and shin were pretty scraped up as well. As for the toe I’d stubbed earlier, pretty sure that’s broken as was black from below nail to joint.

I am extremely sore and have decided to take tomorrow and possibly Friday off. Fortunately I have good friends who are willing to drive the extra miles to pick me up in Wind Gap and bring me back out when I resume.

I’ll make Thirsty Thursday. Just not as I planned!

Sure I’ll be OK and able to hike on after some recovery time.  

Going too fast or too far didn’t contribute to mishap. Learned the hard way that you have to stay completely focused at all times.

Happy trails!

Day 89 JP Tentsite to Little Gap Rd (20.5 miles) 1262.7 miles total

It was a roller coaster of a day for this hiker. Bad, good, sucky, good!

I’ve been leaving the rain fly off my tent when no rain is forecast knowing that if it did rain it wouldn’t be good. I got burned last night.

In the forest you can hear rain coming shortly before it gets to you sometimes. Well, I heard it about midnight. By the time I could get to the rain fly it was raining pretty good…and pitch dark. Since I couldn’t see much I just kind of threw it over tent. Got a bit wet inside. Luckily didn’t rain for long.

After about 7 miles ran into awesome trail magic courtesy of 2 brothers (Mtn Goat and ?) who thru-hiked last year and their wives. Sandwiches, sodas, junk food, watermelon, and homemade cookies. They even had corn hole game set up.

Not sure what town that is down there but I thought cloud reflection was cool.

Below is Outerbridge Shelter. Old school log building.

Crossed the Lehigh River about 3PM. Thinking should be able to make about 5 more miles in a couple of hours. Not!

That is Lehigh River below. Climb up out of there was one of toughest yet. Climbed 1000 ft in slightly less than a mile. That’s twice as steep as what I consider steep. Not only that but it was serious rock climbing (with a 35 lb pack on your back). Finding finger holds and foot placements. Throwing my walking stick up ahead of me.

When I was fairly near the top I saw a young day hiker sitting at top enjoying the view. Yelled up to him asking if he had cell service. He did so I told him to be ready to dial 911 if I fell. Fortunately I made it!

Now only 4 miles to go. Can’t get worse than that. Wrong!

It soon started thundering, then raining pretty hard, then pea-sized hail. Kept repeating “Embrace the Suck” to myself and thought of all the times I told our daughters to “Suck it up!”

That lasted for about a half hour. Now 2.5 miles to go. What other sucky thing can happen? Luckily nothing did. In fact, things got good.

Walked next too a huge berry patch along trail. Lasted almost a half mile. I grazed on raspberries the length of it. They were pre-washed from rain!

Made it to Little Gap Rd shortly after 5:30. I knew from guide book that there was a restaurant that lets hikers camp on their grounds 0.8 miles away. Planned to hitch but saw 2 guys getting into their car in parking lot. Asked them if there was a restaurant down the road…knowing full well there was. They said yes and asked if I’d like a ride. Jackpot!

33 more miles to NJ!

Happy trails!

Day 88 Windsor Furnace Shelter to JP Tentsite (18.7 miles) 1242.2 miles total

Another nice weather day and pretty good mileage. Made about 60 miles last 3 days. Shooting for NJ in 3 more days (54 miles).

Rocks are still beating my feet up and starting to tear up shoes too. May have to get another pair in NJ.

Got some nice views today. Makes a tough climb worth it when there’s a view at end.

Selfie practice. Starting to get the hang of it!

This is Eckville Shelter. Pretty cool place. Spent about an hour having lunch and hanging out there. Building in back is shelter (bunks and one of the few that is totally enclosed). Caretaker house is on left. Has a phone charging station, bathroom with running water, solar shower, and tenting area also.

Tenting tonight about 9 miles past there in the middle of nowhere. That’s why I named the tentsite after myself!

Weather for next 3 days sounds good so unless something unforeseen happens I should make Thirsty Thursday at Mason Street Pub.

When we lived in Lake Hopatcong we were 4 houses down from Mason Street. I’ve been there a couple of times. Kris would say daily but I’m pretty sure I missed a couple days during 5 years we lived there! Excited to see lots of good friends.

Happy trails!

 

 

Day 87 Black Swatara Creek Campsite to Windsor Furnace Shelter (19.2 miles) 1223.5 miles total

Walking 9 to 5. What a way to spend your summer.

Today was actually more like 8 to 6 but I did take a 2 hr break in Hamburg, PA. Took a shuttle into town with another hiker. He had to do some shopping. I went to Taco Johns. Ate, read the Reading Eagle newspaper, then shuttled back out.

The beard is getting real. Another 10 weeks and I’ll be ready to audition for ZZ Top!

Imagine being in my brain for this one… The trail pops out of the woods and rocks onto a nice, smooth path (see below). I’m excited because I can really fly for what looks like quite a while. Unfortunately, after about 20 yards, I had to take the left turn back into trees (and rocks). Took this pic to say that PA isn’t all rocks. It was before I realized I was being conned. Whoever designed that little part of the trail is mean. What a buzz kill!

Hoping for another 18 – 20 miles today.

Happy trails!

 

Day 86 Swatara Gap to Black Swatara Crk Campsite (22.0 miles) 1204.3 miles total

Was able to make more miles than expected today. Trail was not nearly as sloppy as I anticipated. It’s still Rocksylvania however!

I really kind of enjoy hitchhiking…once I get picked up. Have met some interesting people. Got a ride back to trail today from a lady who thru-hiked in 1989.

Most of hike today was along ridge line. Makes it reasonably flat…and fast.

My most productive hiking time is first 3 hours or so of day. Will usually make 7 – 9 miles without a break. Today it was 9.

At that point was a road crossing with small parking area. A place where trail magic is possible. Saw a couple cars in lot but no people. Drats! As I got closer I saw another vehicle with a couple people sitting beside. “Please be trail magic.”

Slick (2004 thru-hiker) called me over. “Yes!” Sat and chatted with him for an hour while having a banana, Snickers, and a Coke.

Rain yesterday must have gotten hikers spread out as I only saw 2 other thru-hikers all day. Probably the fewest of any day yet.

A mile before I stopped for day there was more trail magic. Eastern University was doing a survey with a questionnaire for hikers. I was more than happy to take it. Very psychological with questions centered on what you think is morally right or wrong. Things like “Is it right to intentionally leave out pertinent facts when negotiating a business deal?”. I found it quite interesting. Stayed there for an hour too!

Now have a mere 986 miles to go! 91 miles to Delaware Water Gap and NJ. Hoping to cover that in 5 days. Weather forecast is good so I am optimistic. Just can’t have a bad day.

Happy trails!

Day 85. Lickdale, PA Zero Day 1182,3 miles total

Lots of rain today. Tropical storm Cindy remnants. Poured in AM and again in PM. Weather sounds good for next 4 – 5 days.

Shooting to make NJ on Th. Going to have to make a few big mile days.

I was told before starting this hike that it’s fruitless to plan more than a couple days ahead. Definitely true.

Going to be wet and sloppy on trail tomorrow. Will be slow going.

Happy trails!

Day 84 Rock Chairs Campsite to Swatana Gap (14.1 miles) 1182.3 miles total

Been on the trail for 12 weeks and 1182 miles. Will have less than 1000 miles to go sometime tomorrow. That’s a big milestone. 990 miles sounds way less than 1008!

Not many views today. Most hiking was in trees.

Should finish about 10 weeks from now if all goes well. Can’t wait to get back to reality. Well, most of reality!

Next destination…Hamburg, PA. 36 miles. Hope to be there in 2 days.

Happy trails!

Day 82 Susquehanna River to Big Rock Campsite (6.9 miles) 1155.9 miles total

Weather was great for hiking today. I sucked however. Very lethargic and was beating myself on the rocks so decided to call it a day early…before I hurt myself.

Picture below is crossing Susquehanna leaving Duncannon. Crossed peak in background entering town.

Trail gets more rocky as you progress here. You have to stay very focused on the trail and where you are stepping. If you want to look around, you best not be walking!

Tenting tonight about a half mile from a road. Shortly before sunset a jeep and ATV go past on trail. They were heading to pick up a hiker who had fallen and hurt his leg. Bummer for somebody.

Naked Hiking Day tomorrow. I’ll try to get some good pics. I’ve had several requests that none be selfies!

Happy trails!

Day 81 Duncannon, PA Zero Day 1149.0 miles total

Weather forecast kept me off trail today. Wasn’t as bad as forecast but did rain pretty hard for about 3 hours in afternoon.

Southern PA has lots of towns on or near the trail. I like that!

June 21 is the first day of summer and also Naked Hiking Day. Can’t wait!

Happy trails.

Day 80 Footbridge Campsite to Susquehanna River (9.2 miles) 1149.0 miles total

Made it into Duncannon, PA about noon. It was a pretty steep drop down into town. That is Duncannon and Susquehanna River below.

Our daughter, Brooke, was visiting our other daughter, Kerri, in Pittsburgh this weekend. Duncannon was almost on her way back to Baltimore so she was able to meet me on Fathers Day. Nice surprise!

Weather tomorrow afternoon is forecast to be bad. Thunderstorms, high winds, and possible hail. If forecast hasn’t changed by AM, I will be taking the day off.

Happy trails!