07-24-13 On Baker Mountain Together

Today was a nice peaceful day. We didn't see many folks, but the terrain more than made up for it and greeted us with its beauty.

Through the fog we could see the ski runs and gondola atop Bromley Mountain. The ridge continued to Styles Peak where we stopped for lunch. Down we went to Griffith Lake then back up to the most enchanting view on Baker Peak.

A final two mile descent to Lost Pond Shelter for the night. Though mosquitoes are in the area, there aren't enough to warrant bug spray--what an amazing gift.

We are near the brook which adds an additional level of coolness to an already cool night. We will be sleeping extra snug in our sleeping bags tonight.

07-23-13 Together in Manchester Center, Vermont

The rain started around 2 a.m. and never let up. With only five miles into town, we decided to sleep in and let the rain pass. It never did.

B checked the Doppler on the smartphone to discover that we were a small pin in a sea of green.

Yep. Not only were we going to be hiking in the rain, but also tearing down and loading up in the rain.

We tore down the tent under the rainfly only to find out our camp spot was a huge puddle. Even though the inside portion was dry, it was only a matter of time before it would be wet in the bag. It was at that moment we decided to stay in town.

The five miles of trail were a series of streams, roots and mud puddles. Our feet were soaked in the first five minutes which actually made hiking in these conditions easier. The stream crossings became waterfall crossings. 1,000 miles ago I would have been miserable. Today I was having fun (it also helped that I knew I would be in town).

At the highway we hitched a ride with a lady and her children into town. One brand new SUV. Two smelly, wet hikers. Equals awesome trail magic--thank you!

According to a local, the main industry in Manchester Center, Vermont is tourism--golf, skiing, outlet malls. We stripped down to our ponchos and washed our clothes, then showered and had lunch with Morning Kid, her parents, Bamboo and Shaman.

Tonight we are staying at the Chalet courtesy of Morning Kid's parents. They also treated us to a special dinner. Thank you so much for your generosity!

It's amazing how one's day can change--starting it in a wet tent, ending it in a dry bed.

07-22-13 Inspired On Stratton Mountain Together

Beginning at three o'clock in the morning it began lightly raining off and on. At 6:30 when it began lightly raining again as I started my hike, I didn't think much of it and figured it would stop shortly. Wrong. For the next hour and a half it rained steadily with short fits of downpours.

The trail was flooded, and as I slouched through the puddles, it was a new sensation--ice cold water.

The rain stopped early morning, in time for us to reach the top of Stratton Mountain (elev 3,936 feet) and climb the tower for a view. One hundred years earlier, James Taylor stood in that very spot and dreamed up the Vermont Long Trail followed a few years later by Benton MacKaye's Appalachian Trail idea.

After a three mile climb back down the mountain, we were sitting on the shores of the Stratton Pond eating lunch, and drying our shoes, socks, feet, etc.

The rest of the day was fun; well, once you got over trying to be clean or dry. We saw the best of the best in Vermont mud. Slid, slipped, tripped, full on fell, splashed and sloshed; you name it, we did it.

Filtered water in preparation for dry camping near Prospect Rock. Arrived before the rain, and set up in time. Once it passed, we ate dinner looking out towards the Green Mountains and down into Manchester Center, Vermont.

07-21-13 Somewhere near Glastenbury Mountain

The evening shower made for a cool morning. While we ate our bagel breakfast, I almost felt like we were getting ready for a bicycle ride; nostalgia dies hard. Regardless, today was excellent hiking--or biking weather.

The first 105.2 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Vermont are also the Long Trail. So far, I am loving the terrain. There's variety--mud/rock hops, steep up and downs, but my favorite is the spongy pine-needle laden trail where we can just cruise.

Enjoyed a chilly, but spectacular view from the lookout tower atop Glastenbury Mountain. Continued on to Kid Gore Shelter for lunch also with a great view.

With 12.8 miles already in the belt, we headed to Story Spring Shelter a final 4.6 miles on the day. It's refreshing to have a spring again that outputs cold, CLEAR water. Cheers!

07-20-13 Together in Vermont

For the most part, the terrain was pleasant and we made great time. In some sections, the trail was muddy so we had to be strategic about which rocks to step on. Once, I stepped on a "false rock" and watched as my foot disappeared into a pile of mud. Surprisingly, my shoes didn't get wet.

We stopped for lunch at the Congdon Shelter with Shaman, Bamboo and Morning Kid's dad. Filtered additional water to keep hydrated. Unfortunately most of the water in this area is tinted an off color. Thankfully though, it tastes much better than the sulfur water we had several days previous.

The trail led us straight down--literally, straight down--800 feet to Vermont Highway 9. We took a brief break at the bottom to recoup and were reunited with Wolf Man and Grey Cloud. They were being dropped back onto the trail, so their buddy kindly took our trash--thank you!

Then it was straight back up 1,100 feet to our campsite at Melville Nauheim Shelter. The climb actually wasn't that bad, except I ran out of fuel. Even with the snack we had just ate, my body was starving.

Had a hearty dinner with friends while it lightly rained outside. Fell asleep to the sound of subtle raindrops on our tent.

07-19-13 At the highest peak in Massachusetts together

We resumed our ascent of Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts at 3,491 feet. At the top is a Veterans War Memorial Tower where we had our morning snack.

The signs signaling us down the summit were not only confusing, but pointed in the wrong direction. We ignored them and followed the path that actually looked like it was going down.

We followed a ridge to Mount Williams and then plummeted down the mountain into Williamstown, Massachusetts.

The trail has been leading us through all sorts of towns lately. This is indicative of why the Appalachian Trail was originally created: to give people in town an outlet into nature.

Rode a couple of trail-magic bikes to the Stop and Shop for yet another resupply and lunch. Our eyes were bigger than our stomachs, so we had to pack out some of the food we bought for lunch.

We dropped the bikes off and the homeowners let us fill up our water bottles too. It felt great riding a bike again; wind in our hair... Why are we hiking again? Oops, I digress.

The climb back up to the ridge was gradual, but tiring with the midday heat. We crossed into Vermont, our twelfth state, and set up camp shortly after the border. Slathered my burns in Neosporin again for the night. Leg is much better, but hand still feels like a really bad sunburn.

07-18-13 Somewhere with first and second-degree burns

Now don't get too worried with the title; remember second degree burns is like a really bad sunburn with blisters.

Before we get to that story though, let's start from the beginning...

We enjoyed our last few hours of civilization in Dalton then headed back into the woods. Packed out a sub sandwich for lunch and ate it on the marble outcroppings named "The Cobbles" with a view down to the Hoosic River Valley and Mount Greylock.

Continued downhill and into the town of Cheshire, Massachusetts. From there it was a gradual uphill as we began our ascent of Mount Greylock. Stopped short of the summit at Mark Noepel Shelter where we called it a night.

For dinner, we headed over to the shelter with friends Bamboo, Shaman, Morning Kid, her dad, and Steady State.

I was in a seated position boiling water on our alcohol stove. The water reached a boil and the flame burned out. I was pouring the water into our Rice Sides' sleeves when I lost my grip and spilled it on my leg. In a frenzy I raced to set down the pot and spilled more on my hand. I rushed out of the shelter eager to get my pants off the burned skin.

B poured cool water on the burned areas and we slathered Neosporin on. I ventured back over to the shelter for dinner, but spent the remainder of the evening airing out my wounds in the tent.

07-17-13 In Dalton, Massachusetts Together

Enjoyed sleeping in before our nine mile hike into town. Lush also camped at the Cookie Lady's, so we ate breakfast with him before heading out.

The trail led us along the ridge then down into Dalton, Massachusetts. Bamboo and Steady State had caught up to us and we walked into town with them. We'd learn later that several mills in Dalton create the paper for the U.S. currency.

We stopped first at a hiker friendly house. Tom, the homeowner, offered us a ride to the Price Chopper and Taco Bell.

Fed and resupplied, we continued to the Shamrock Village Inn for the night. The proprietor had three cats and a dog in the office. I enjoyed visiting with them while I did laundry; it makes me miss our cat, Cirby.

Cleaned up and rested the remainder of the day. Ended the evening with a pint of ice cream from the gas station.

07-16-13 Together at the Cookie Lady's House

Another peaceful day of hiking. We got up early but didn't make good time before lunch--I'm ready for a day of rest.

After a decent uphill to Becket Mountain then over to Walling Mountain, we stopped for lunch at Finerty Pond.

With a full belly and stretched legs we picked up the pace along the ridge walk. Stopped for an afternoon break at October Mountain Shelter before our final two mile push to Washington Mountain Road.

Walked 100 feet down the road to the "Cookie Lady's" house. B has been looking forward to this stop for some time now and even made a line item on the map so it wouldn't be missed. We were not disappointed and were greeted with a basket full of cookies. In exchange for camping on their lawn, B mowed around the blueberry bushes--and may have snacked on a blueberry or two. Thank you Roy and Marilyn!

07-15-13 Somewhere near Knee-Deep Pond

Today was a very pleasant day, mostly walking along the ridge. We saw some sort of ground bird, perhaps a grouse? along the way.

We cooked Ramen for lunch at the Shaker campsite and set out some clothing to dry in the sun.

Up Cobble Hill we went, followed by Baldy Mountain. An uneventful yet pleasant afternoon stroll; we've enjoyed the change in pace.

We stealth camped with DNA and Etch-a-Sketch near Knee-Deep Pond. The excitement of the night occurred when a sectional hiker stopped to talk wearing only his underwear. Apparently it's much cooler and causes less chaffing with only tighty-whiteys on. Hey, hike your own hike, right?

07-14-13 Together with the porcupines

Climbed Mount Everett and descended it with no problems. It is amazing how your perspective changes after a night's rest and fresh legs.

The sun burned away the fog, and we saw gorgeous views up on Jug End. We climbed down the ridge and through open fields toward Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

We stopped on the outskirts of town to recharge our electronics. The grill was a little pricey, so we hung out in the pavilion and enjoyed the shade and rest instead.

Back on the trail, we crossed the Housatonic River for the last time, up June Mountain and finally East Mountain where we saw our first porcupine.

Worn out, we stopped for the night at Tom Leonard Shelter at Ice Gulch. The water source was a pain to get to, but rewarding if you made the trek.

07-13-13 On top of Bear Mountain together

Started the day with Giant's Thumb, a large stone sticking out of the ground resembling--you guessed it--a giant's thumb.

After a sharp downhill, we headed into Salisbury, Connecticut for a resupply. At LaBonne's Market we met former Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, Spitball. He treated us both to a deli sandwich--thank you!

Back on the trail we trudged up Lion's Head with newly refilled packs and stopped for lunch at the top. Though the view was partially skewed to the fog, the sandwiches were delicious--thanks again Spitball!

The trail took us to Bear Mountain--the tallest peak (not the tallest point) in Connecticut. The downhill was absolutely miserable--slick, slanted rocks; hard to find foot placement. Sometimes I sat down and lowered myself down. Other times, I grabbed a tree and muscled myself down. Finally, we were at the bottom...

Excitingly, we crossed into Massachusetts, but our excitement was short lived...

...to Mount Race. The uphill was no problem, and the views, though also skewed by the fog, were pretty; I'm sad we couldn't see all of it's glory. It started to rain, briefly, and stopped before we descended. Again, an exhausting, technical downhill.

Close to the bottom, we ran into some locals who told us the next mountain, Mount Everett, was rocky too. Physically, but more mentally, tired, we stopped for the night at Race Brook Campsite, saving Mount Everett for the morning.

07-12-13 Showering outside somewhere

Aside from the mosquitoes, today was a very pleasant day. It started early and we began the day climbing rock structures. We passed through a cracked boulder billed as "similar to Lemon Squeezer," but it was simple to walk through; no squeezing necessary.

We stopped for a snack at Belter's Knob, then pushed in to Falls Village, Connecticut, although the Appalachian Trail only led by the high school and hydro-electric plant.

At the hydro-electric plant, we stopped for our weekly bath. The shower wasn't what I had expected and privacy was none existent; cars driving by, construction men walking around, a photographer photoing a girl dressed as a gypsy (odd, yes; we never got the story on that one). Nevertheless, we stripped down to our skivvies and scrubbed away.

Clean and fed we hiked up Mount Prospect and past the shelter (it was half a mile off the trail). We stopped for the night at Rands View, a big field with a view, and perhaps a glorious sunset.

07-11-13 Somewhere north of Guinea Brook

Woke up to the sun, dark red, peaking through the trees. It was short-lived. I looked again and it was gone, only to be replaced by rain moments later.

The rain only lasted in the morning. The mosquitoes, on the other hand, lasted all day, and had over-welcomed their stay by evening. They even watched us as we went to sleep, peering hungrily in on us from the mesh walls of our tent.

The Appalachian Trail took us down St. John's Ledges, and a steep, stony downhill. I fell twice, and even the mighty B fell once.

The trail flattened out as we walked along the Housatonic River. My feet felt shredded, so we stopped for an early lunch to allow my feet time to dry out.

Later on, the trail brought us to the widest stream crossing to date: Guinea Brook. Rushing water; haphazard rocks and downed trees as stepping stones; great. Nerve-racking, but we crossed incident free.

At camp we did our best to reduce the mosquito population, but I have a feeling it's a never-ending game, with only us as the losers. B and DNA finished the night with a game of chess.

07-10-13 Saying "hello" to Connecticut together

The highway traffic settled down, but the commuter rail continued through the night. Not our best night of sleep, but definitely not the worst either.

Our two exciting milestones of the day included entering (and leaving, and entering again) Connecticut and then seeing a covered bridge in Kent, Connecticut.

Along the trail today we met two groups working on the trail. The first was with Forestry and they were spraying Rodeo herbicide to kill the non-native and invasive plant, sodio glacitio (sp?).

The second group was Greenagers building a rock staircase on the Appalachian Trail through a grant.

While we were eating lunch at the covered bridge, it began to rain. A stone's throw away was a gas station where we sought shelter and a soda. Once the sun came back out we continued, but it rained off and on the rest of the afternoon and the mosquitoes reared their ugly faces...Connecticut, I swear if you New Jersey me...

Thankfully, the rain let up to set up our tent. We stealth camped by ourselves on an unnamed PUD (pointless up and down), which I aptly named Mount Cirby.

07-09-13 Somewhere near the Dover Oak

An easy eleven mile hike today. Along the way, we stopped at a vista for lunch with friends at West Mountain. Further down, was the largest oak tree on the trail--The Dover Oak, over 300 years old and 20' 4" wide.

We finished the day on a boardwalk that took us to the Appalachian Trail Railroad Station--basically just a platform in the middle of nowhere.

We resupplied in Wingdale, New York and ended the day at Native Landscapes for free tenting on the mulch pile. Enjoyed the evening with buddies Quahog and Oreo. Settled in for a long night's sleep between the highway and the train tracks.

07-08-13 Somewhere near Mount Egbert

The green-blazed trail back to the Appalachian Trail wasn't as bad on fresh feet; still a horribly laid out trail though.

Our first milestone of the day was Shenandoah Mountain where we were treated to a view and a 9-11 Memorial.

For lunch we road walked into the outskirts of Stormville, New York for a deli sandwich at Mountaintop Market Deli. What a treat! The sandwich was delicious.

A new game of mine is watching for mushrooms along the trail. With the wet weather, there are so many types. One of the white varieties, I learned, is more deadly if ingested than a rattlesnake's bite.

The trail and weather was awesome today, and we made it to the campsite by 3:30 p.m. Enjoyed a long and relaxing evening with friends.

07-07-13 Somewhere near Clarence Fahnestock State Park

It's a new routine--waking early to beat the heat.

Unfortunately, someone else (who we've never camped with before) woke up even earlier and made quite the ruckus packing up. His antics included throwing a beer bottle, stomping on tree limbs and shaking his tarp extra loud. Not sure what came over the man, but we don't want to camp near him ever again.

After our human wake-up alarm, we were off and running. The terrain settled out, and we only had half the ups and downs we had become accustomed to. The trail went by the Appalachian Trail Market (basically just a gas station) and we broke down and bought some pastries.

We got to NY 301, our terminus for the day, but signs posted everywhere said we should hike 1.5 more miles to a green-blazed trail to get to Clarence Fahnestock State Park rather than take the road one mile.

We kept hiking. On the bright side, it's less we have to hike tomorrow. But by the time we got there we were exhausted, chaffed and suffering from heat rash. Not only had they lied--we had to hike two miles--but the green-blazed trail was a joke.

Regardless, we got a frozen treat from the store and showered, and settled in for a long night's rest.

07-06-13 Together at the Lowest Point on the AT

We woke up early for a long and action packed day. After a series of rugged ups and downs, we could barely make out the New York City skyline on top of Black Mountain.

Again more ups and downs, and before we knew it we were on top of Bear Mountain. Up in the Perkins Memorial Tower I could again barely make out the squiggle that was NYC.

Now time for the descent. Twelve hundred feet of elevation change that equated to about nine hundred rock steps. Once we had fallen out of the mountain into Bear Mountain Recreation Area, I wanted to go back up. Hoards and hoards of people littered the sidewalks and picnic tables. To get to the Trailside Museum, we had to squeeze through droves of pool-goers.

At any rate, we had arrived at the most exciting spot of the day--the Trailside Museum AND ZOO!! At
the bear cage, or Bear's Den as they call it, we were at the lowest point of the Appalachian Trail, clocking in at 163 feet.

The zoo contained animals native to the area--bear, coyote, vultures, deer, to name a few. We arrived at the zoo late, which coincided with feeding time. This actually made the animals more lively.

Crossed over the Hudson River and hiked back up the mountain. Camped at Hemlock Springs Campsite and were joined by friends.

07-05-13 Surviving the Lemon Squeezer Together

Were back on the trail mid-morning and braced for a hot one. Thankfully, today was the day of trail magic water. At three road crossings were gallons upon gallons of water. Since we were sweating faster than we could replenish it, the water was a welcome sight. Thank you trail angels!

Today was also our first full day hiking in New York. The terrain is quite a shock. Uphill. Downhill. Up. Down. Up. Down. At the end of the day, we stopped at Fingerboard Shelter and were ready for a good night's sleep. Also tested our skills at rock scrambling and lemon squeezing.

Our tent was set near M80, Trooper, Oreo and Quahog's tents and at dusk enjoyed laughing and talking between tents.

Woke up at 11:36 with an unsettling epiphany: the fiber bars, though on-sale, probably weren't the wisest purchase for out here. I ran as far away as I could, which wasn't far. Thankfully the dark of the night concealed me from nearby tenters. The outcome, I believe, was still better than the time we unknowingly gave Shaman laxative gum.

07-04-13 Together on the Fourth of July

Enjoyed a leisurely morning, but ultimately had to vacate the hotel room at 11 a.m. We got on the wait list in case there were any cancellations and headed over to the town waterfront park.

At the park we talked to various people about public tenting and even the possibility of tenting in someone's yard. We got a few bites, but nothing solid. When all hope seemed lost, we got the call that there had been a cancellation!

We could finally relax. Had a cheesesteak dinner and enjoyed fireworks off the dock.

07-03-13 Together in Greenwood Lake, New York

Crossed over into New York today. Although we only hiked ten miles today, we still felt ready for a rest day.

We hiked down the road to Bellvale Farms Creamery and enjoyed homemade ice cream. From there, we got a ride into Greenwood Lake, New York.

After many phone calls, walking and a visit to the florist, we ended up at the Breezy Point Inn. Seven people shoved into a motel room. I'd say it was cramped, but the porch area added more space that we hardly noticed.

Had the pizza special for dinner, and enjoyed "Open Mic Night" at the hotel bar. Looking forward to an entire rest day on the Fourth.

07-02-13 Carried Away by the Mosquitoes Together

The sun greeted us this morning. Not sure what to expect from the trail, I wore gloves, arm warmers and my poncho as added protection from the mosquitoes.

The mosquitoes were horrible. The followed us in swarms. The forced us to keep moving; don't stop.

About eight miles in we got to the "boardwalk over swamp" as our guidebook described it. We thought the mosquitoes were going to be terrible and it turned out to be the nicest stretch of the day; pleasant even. The dragonflies had staked out there territory and had taken a huge chunk out of the mosquito population, if not all.

At the crossing with NJ 94, we took a slight detour to Heaven Hill Farm for homemade ice cream. It was nice sitting out in the open, bug free.

We pushed the last five miles to Wawayanda Shelter for the night. Set up the tent and enjoyed the mesh sanctuary from the bugs.

07-01-13 Together at the highest point in New Jersey

I have a love hate relationship with New Jersey. Today was miserable. When it wasn't raining the mosquitoes were biting and when the mosquitoes weren't biting it was raining.

The trail was either unmaintained, rocky or flooded.

We stopped at High Point State Park for a break. Pepsi-Cola donated cans of Pepsi for each thru-hiker that visits. We each got a soda and enjoyed our reprieve from the rain.

Up the trail, we took a side trail up to the highest point in New Jersey. A monument was built on the site which we climbed up. Unfortunately no views because of the fog, but the change of pace was still fun.

After a 15 mile day we hobbled into Unionville, New York for the night. Set up our wet tent on the park's playground and aired out our wet feet. After a small resupply at the General Store and had dinner at the local tavern.

Later that night, as we laid in our tent to go to sleep a group of high schoolers rolled up doing high schooler things. A couple of girls walked by and noticed our tent, then clothes hanging in the gazebo, then other tents. They turned around quickly calling us "a bunch of creepers." I couldn't help but chuckl

06-30-13 Somewhere near Mashipacong

I love New Jersey! Saw another bear. I heard something digging in the rocks near a spring. It's head popped up. In the distance I could hear the freight train (B, Danno and OB) coming who eventually scared it away.

At a view we met up with DNA's dad, Stan. He knew of a church picnic and we planned to meet up at the pavilion seven miles away to go to it.

We got to the pavilion right as the rain started. Along with Shaman, DNA and Etch-a-Sketch, Stan drove us all to the St. Thomas Catholic Church for a fellowship meal.

Back on the trail we hiked three miles to the Mashipacong Shelter. The mosquitoes were so bad that we threw up the tent, and socialized between the mesh all evening.

06-29-13 Hanging out with the Jersey Bruins Together

Our morale started out low today--wet feet, rocks, mosquitoes. We climbed up the Catfish Lookout Tower to escape the bugs. The break, view and mid-morning snack eased our spirits.

Around lunchtime the trail smoothed out and we stopped for lunch on the rocks. We were excited to see Shaman and he joined us also.

Further up the trail we stopped to talk to two day-hikers from Jersey. One of them said, "there's a bear!" The bear slowly sauntered by us about 20 yards away. Very exciting!

About two miles out from camp, B went on ahead while I stopped to "talk to nature," if you know what I mean. I continued on and heard a slight rustle to my left. Behind the bushes was a bear about 10 feet away.

I froze. He froze. I stared. He stared. He started to slowly move. I blew my whistle to scare him off. He ran but then popped out onto the trail.

For the next ten minutes I blew my whistle and clanked my poles. I looked around nervously, stopping often to turn around for a peak.

I made it to camp safe and sound. We met up with Shaman, Etch-a-Sketch, DNA, OB and Danno. Late in the evening Bamboo and Morning Kid rolled in, and we enjoyed a small reunion. Interestingly enough, we all saw bears today. What an exciting day!

06-28-13 Crossing the Delaware River Together

The Appalachian Trail led us through Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania today. It was about a six mile hike down the ridge line and since it rained the night before, our shoes and socks soaked up the dew on the trail vegetation.

Once in town we showered, dried out our shoes and socks and hit the local bakery. As tempting as it was to pack out an entire cake, we had fun picking out a smaller but still tasty option.

Back on the trail, we walked through a construction site to get to the Interstate 80 toll bridge over the Delaware River into New Jersey. It was a little nerve-racking when the semi trucks would pass us and shake the bridge!

We entered into the Delaware Water Gap National Park and were soon introduced to the New Jersey rocks.

Once back up on the ridge line we had a beautiful view at Sunfish Pond and another on Kittatinny Mountain. We set up camp a short ways after and were inundated with TICKS!!

We stripped down and inspected as best we could. As we listened to the nightly thunderstorm, we couldn't help but double, triple and quadruple check every time we felt the slightest tickle.

06-27-13 Somewhere near Wolf Rocks

Picked up our mail drop in Wind Gap, Pennsylvania this morning. The Ladonia Fire Deparment sent us a care package full of fun goodies and notes--thank you!

The trail was consistently rocky today. Not overly hard, just tiring after awhile. We bouldered up to Wolf Rocks; the guidebook said there was a view, which there wasn't, but what was there were several vultures which was a treat to see.

The forecast was indicating evening storms. We hiked by an amazing campsite with an amazing view. Unfortunately it was exposed. With the wind already picking we opted for a different site tucked away in the woods.

We set up camp and gobbled up dinner--thanks to our friends at Ladonia--before the storm eventually found us.

06-26-13 Somewhere near the Palmerton Zinc Pile

We woke up early to hike up an exposed and steep boulder field in the Palmerton, Pennsylvania Superfund Site before the sunlight poured in.

The Palmerton Zinc Pile Superfund Site was home to zinc smelting from 1898-1980. The area is currently under renovation and revegetation activities.

Climbing the boulders was breathtaking on two levels--for one, the view was gorgeous, but secondly, teetering along the ridge so high up was nerve-racking. We survived and had easy walking along the ridge line.

The mosquitoes were buzzing around, but thankfully I was prepared with my bug net and Deet (B doesn't have a problem with them). Walking behind me was B, who told me not to worry but a swarm of mosquitoes were hovering around me. At one point, B got too close and got bitten instead.

We got trail magic in the form of ice cold water from Olive Oyl's mom--thank you! We had a 16 mile stretch today with poor water options (unless you wanted to fill up at a spring in the Superfund Site).

Called it a night at the Leroy A. Smith Shelter. Enjoyed a campfire and instant mashed potatoes with friends.

06-25-13 Hanging Out With Dad Together

"Hi, is this Brandon?" I had never met this person, and probably will never see her again, but she provided us the best trail magic we could ever hope for.

To fully understand the story let's rewind twelve hours earlier.

We woke up at 5:30 to make it into Palmerton, Pennsylvania early. Our motivation: my dad was coming town and we wanted to get cleaned up first. Our intentions were countered by rocks. Started with the Knife's Edge and moved on to the graffitied yet pretty Bake Oven Knob. By the time we got done with those 4 miles, we were already 30 min off our normal pace.

We pushed and pulled our way along the trail and somehow gained back a little time. We managed to get to town near our target and just before the rain.

Dad showed up with a few goodies--new toe socks for K (she has high-maintenance toes, don't ask), a poncho, and other odds and ends. the most coveted goodie though included 4 bags of Grandma's cookies and 1 bag of cookies from Joni. Thank you!

We ran a few errands with Etch-a-Sketch and DNA and ended at the Bethlehem Diner for dinner. I had used K's wallet--actually it's just a Ziplock bag--at an earlier errand. At dinner she asked for it back and I realized it was no longer in my possession. After tearing apart the car and my memory, we ate dinner, all the while strategizing where it might be.

As we drove back, retracing our steps, I got a phone call. The stranger on the other end had found the wallet and by some mystery my phone number as well.

When we reunited with the wallet, the lady found my phone number on the receipt for K's pants during Trail Days. I never leave my number with vendors, but miraculously this time I had, and miraculously K had kept the receipt for over a month. God's trail magic.

Truly an amazing day--thank you Dad!

06-24-13 Somewhere near the boulders

Had a steep uphill to Dan's Pulpit, but an excellent view. Shortly after, the trail turned into a boulder field, but were past it within the hour. At Allentown Hiking Club Shelter we took a much needed break from the sun and the Pennsylvania rocks.

It was a short day--13.4 miles--because of the reputation we had heard of this area (rocky). We turned off the Appalachian Trail and down the ridge into a valley at the New Tripoli Campsite.

I laid down for a nap in the tent and was awakened to sprinkles. We rushed to put the rainfly on in time. A thunderstorm roared through with pea-sized hail.

The tent walls shook with the wind and the rain poured down. We could see the brightness of the lightning immediately followed by the cracks of thunder. All the while we silently prayed that our tent--and nearby trees--would withstand the weather.

06-23-13 on the Pinnacle Together

Got a late start out of Port Clinton, Pennsylvania which meant a hotter hiking day. It was a steep incline back onto the ridge, but we made it, a little sweaty though.

After another ascent, very rocky, we were onto of Pulpit Rock, a perfect place for lunch. Two miles later we stopped at The Pinnacle for a panoramic view.

Also there was a tall pile of rocks. A past thru-hiker in the vicinity told us hikers and thru-hikers add to the pile for luck. Whether he was full of bull or not (some of his other tales sounded a little fishy), we each added a rock to the pile.

We ended the day at Eckville Shelter. Although we tented nearby, the solar shower was a welcome treat. We also were surprised with Flavor-Ices and watermelon.