Date: 2004-04-24
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Jailhouse Hostel (Palmerton,PA)
Miles today: 17.7

Log entry: 84Start time: 0730End time: 1415Morning weather: Hazy but warmafternoon weather: Sunny and hot, mid 70s maybeDinner: Clear and warmBreakfast: Strawberry Poptart, Rice Krispie Treat, breakfast squareLunch: Barbeque corn nuts, candy barsDinner: Pork (tenderloin I think), sweet corn, bread, potato saladTrail description: Rocky, go figure. Bear Rocks and Bake Oven Knob were both very cool. I think the first part of Bear rocks was called knifes edge which was a thin ridge which was fun to traverse. The stretch between Lehigh Furnace gap and Outerbridge shelter was an arid piece. There were scrub pines and sand, but still rocky in spots. Still, on the whole the rocky stretches have been manageable. By the looks tomorrow should have a rocky beginning.People: Eventually all the SASH members, "the professor" and "annie", numerousdayhikers and weekenders.Animals: Black snake, misc. other noninteresting crittersMoney spent: About $15 for groceriesBiggest complaints: Feet sore for a while and legs tired for a timeThoughts: The weather was great this morning and the walking was easy, for a while.There were some nasty rocks but for the most part their tenure was short lived. I caught a fleeting glimpse of a black snake, enough to identify it and makesure it wasn't a rattler. As I came off Bear rocks I met a local who was outlooking for caves and snakes. During hunting season he had "marked" some densand was out now looking for them. I would have liked to spend the morning withhim trying to get bit but I had stuff to do.I ate a quick but effective lunch at Bake Oven Knob shelter with "The Professor"and "Annie" who were out sectioning from Delaware Water gap to Duncannon, Ithink. A retired couple that is sectioning the triple crown. I would have liked to spend more time with them but I was ready for the push into town. The last stretch really took its toll on my legs. Its tough to cruise over 3 mph with the heavy boots on. I took about 20 minutes at Outerbridge shelter torecoup for the 0.7 drop into Lehigh. It turns out the descent wasn't too rough.I followed the AT up to the motor cycle shop and stuck my thumb out at thetraffic light hoping for a ride into Palmerton. After the second light cycle ablue Ford ranger waved me into the back. There were 2 guys headed to an EarthDay party and they invited me along but instead I opted to get dropped off atthe exit. Nice guys, but I had stuff to do. It would have been fun though.I stayed on the sidewalk and figured I would find the Police department and thenthe Bourough hall where hikers can stay for free. I headed first to the hallwhere 3 of the SASH hikers already had the hall opened. The basement was filled with props from some play and I found space to air out.I first showered in the upstairs locker room. It was pretty old school but thewater was hot and the pressure was enough to exfoliate.After the shower I went to the IGA supermarket. The people there were superfriendly. Thru-hikers get a free apple by the way. All you have to do is lookgrubby and hungry. After the simple resupply I packed gear away as I waited for 1615 to rollaround.Ed Holub had emailed me a while ago asking me to let him know when I was in theLehigh area. I had been in continued email contact and he was going to pick meup and take me out to his home for dinner.Ed, his wife, and their golden retriever Tuckerman showed up on time and weheaded to their home.We chatted while the pork cooked and soon dinner was ready. It was nice to have a simple, home cooked meal again. It had been a while. Even when I was home I ate out most of the time. Something I thought I would never get sick of. This was a great change of pace. I think I had like 3 pounds of pork. Delicious.After dinner I looked at photos of their many trips to the White Mountains. Itreally got me excited to get into the mountains again.We headed back to Palmerton and went our seperate ways. I am glad that ourschedules worked out and that we got to meet.I journaled a bit and visited back at the hall. I phoned home and went to bedaround 2230, I planned on an early start if possible.