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.

06-24-13 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.

06-22-13 Together in Port Clinton

Today we saw the Fort Dietrich Snyder Monument signifying were the lookout tower once was to warn of enemy presence during the French and Indian War.

Near PA 183 we stumbled into trail magic. While we drank our sodas and ate our Fruit-by-the-foot, we enjoyed a conversation with a Boy Scout family out for the weekend. With no effort on their part, they talked us into cheese fries at Port Clinton.

After lunch, the Appalachian Trail turned very rocky. We still made decent time, but our feet were tired and sore. We dragged down the final decent into Port Clinton around five o'clock.

The Port Clinton rail yard was a welcome surprise. They had large chunks of anthracite that we enjoyed climbing on.

Once in Port Clinton our first stop was cheese fries at the Port Clinton Hotel. After dropping off our gear in the local park, we headed over to Hamburg, Pennsylvania to the Cabela's and Wal-mart.

Back at the park we finished the evening by watching the fireflies under the moonlight.

06-21-13 Together for the Summer Solstice

The longest day of the year: the summer solstice was today. The Appalachian Trail brought us to an old iron bridge that had been converted from a railroad trestle over the Swatara Creek.

Hiked under Interstate 81 then slipped back into the woods. This section of the trail was overgrown. We wear our pant legs--instead of shorts--covered in Permertrin to protect us better from ticks.

We made it to the 501 Shelter a little after one o'clock and ordered a pizza. Since the shelter is close to Pine Grove, Pennsylvania (and a road for that matter) they're used to delivering. It is a really nice shelter and we relaxed there for several hours.

We continued on three more miles to our campsite. The guidebook listed water but none could be found. Instead, we hiked two more miles to Hertline Campsite. The water source was excellent and we enjoyed dinner down by the pond.

It was fun watching the wildlife in the pond--frogs, fish and even a snake. I definitely didn't have plans to get in the pond after we saw the snake!

06-20-13 Somewhere near the Coal Mines

The Appalachian Trail led us through old coal mining territory. Although none of the settlements exist anymore, we did see large piles of coal next to the trail. Also, the springs put off a yellowish color; needless to say, we avoided those water sources.

In the distance we could hear military planes flying over and artillery fired. We found out from a trail maintainer that an Army Base was nearby.

We got to camp early and enjoyed the evening with friends, Etch-a-Sketch, DNA, Shaman, Hangman, Danno and OB.

06-19-13 Somewhere north of the Susquehanna

Crossed the Susquehanna River today--the dirtiest river in the United States--and disappeared back into the woods.

Once back up on the ridge we had to manage our water due to a 13 mile stretch without water. Unfortunately, we wasted time hiking down the Susquehanna Trail to water we couldn't find. We were able to get water at the shelter half a mile more.

Met Stan preparing to hike southbound at PA 225; we stopped for a break and enjoyed a glass of ice cold water. A couple miles later we ate lunch at view atop Table Rock.

Set up camp for the night on an established campground at Clark's Creek with friends. I missed it, but there was also trail magic close by. B saved me a cold soda, cupcake and some mayonnaise-based pasta salad.

06-18-13 Together in Duncannon

Started our twelve mile roll into town early. The guidebook called for six mile stretch of "very rocky" trail. Thankfully, when we got to it, the section wasn't nearly as tough as some rocks we've seen.

Stopped and chatted at Hawk Rock for a moment and took in the view down at Duncannon, Pennsylvania. Arrived in town around 12:30, and stopped at the trail famous "Doyle". Had some lunch and beverage, then laundered our clothes.

Continued our walk through town and up to a campsite near the river; even nearer were the train tracks. Met up with DNA and his dad Stan. We all set up at the campsite and enjoyed a leisurely evening.

06-17-13 Somewhere in the farm fields of Pennsylvania

Recharged at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Mid-Atlantic Regional Office in the morning before heading north.

The terrain was nice and flat; through farm fields, forest and mulberry trees. At Conodoguinet Creek we made a U-turn. Literally, the trail called for a U-turn, and dipped back into the forest.

We stopped for the night at Darlington Shelter with plenty of room for tents. I got a little miffed when a group of people where heckling my bear bag hanging skills (or lack thereof). I merely found another tree away from them and hung it.

06-16-13 Together in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania

Slept in then felt lethargic all day--perhaps a side effect from consuming over 2,000 calories of ice cream? Nah.

The trail led us through a rock maze which was marked with arrows--left, right, up, down. At some point we walk all the way around a boulder. Had it just been left up to us how to get through the maze, we probably would have just gone straight, but it was fun, nonetheless.

Hit the original half way point at Center Point Knob, when the trail first began at Mount Oglethorpe, Georgia. A few rollers to the bottom, the it was corn--err, alfalfa--fields all the way into town.

Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania is nothing short of gorgeous. Situated around a man-made lake built in the 1700s, this peaceful little town is worth a peak.

We bought a few goodies at the grocery store, and spent the evening on the front porch of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Regional Office which also looks out onto the lake.

We slept on the south end of town in the Hiker's Campground; basically the edge of someone's field, right by the train tracks.

06-15-13 Halfway Done and Still Together

A monumental day. We hit the halfway point! 1,092.5 miles down, 1,092.5 to go.

To celebrate, we hiked to the Pine Grove Furnace State Park camp store and each bought a half gallon of ice cream. I was worried it was a bad idea and would negatively effect me--if you know what I mean--but we both finished them with ease and I can still stand the sight of ice cream.

While the ice cream settled on our tummies, we walked around the Appalachian Trail a short distance away. While we were there we ran into DNA again!

We camped four miles up with Shaman, Etch-a-sketch and DNA. We're all hoping for a dry night and are all sleeping without our rain flies.

06-13-13 Somewhere where day turned to night

100% chance of thunderstorms. Tore down the tent in a hurry. The nearest shelter was two miles away. We dashed off in a hurry.

The sky turned black. I needed my headlamp; no time. The wind picked up. A branch fell to my left; to my right. I started running. The downpour started. The path turned to a river. Lightning. Thunder.

Please Lord, let me live through this.

Finally, safe in the shelter. We let the worst pass then headed back out.

A new milestone: we crossed the Maryland / Pennsylvania border which is also the Mason-Dixon Line. A little farther up, we hitchhiked into Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.

After a quick resupply and a pizza lunch with our friend, Etch-A-Sketch, we were back on the trail aiming for shelter for the night.

The forecast said another storm system was coming through which either never materialized or missed us. Regardless, it was a peaceful night with fireflies sparkling all around.

06-14-13 Somewhere in Pennsylvania

Hit the trail early and had 12 miles behind us before stopping for lunch. We had a Spam sandwich lunch at the Caledonia State Park.

I feel a little spoiled with all these parks we've passed through. I don't take it for granted though and fully enjoy each amenity. Today I crawled up the rock wall and slid down the twisty slide.

We refilled our water at Quarry Gap Shelter--very nice, complete with potted flowers. So far, we've been impressed with Pennsylvania's shelters.

We pushed on five more miles and set up camp with friend, Etch-A-Sketch. Called it an early night to prepare for the impending "Half Gallon Challenge".