Date: 2009-06-28
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: few clouds

I made sure to get up early in order to maximize my chances at catching the ride being offered to us by a trail angel who had posted his number on the hostel bulletin board. He had told us the night before that he would only make two trips and that he could fit six per ride. However, there were a lot more than 12 of us needing a ride... A couple of people who didn¢t want to wait headed out to the road to hitch. I waited with Salty Dog, who was enjoying a coffee (with the additional benefit of relieving him of his burden of coins).      While I was waiting outside, I stuck out my thumb to several passing cars, but no one slowed. I was surprised to find out how difficult it was to get a ride to and from the trailhead over the course of the journey. Everyone seems to think that girls get rides easily, but for me, it wasn¢t so.      At last, our driver arrived and I was able to join the first group. I had a bit of trepidation concerning the climb out of Palmerton. Other journals had mentioned that it was no section to do with full pack and that it was better suited to slackpacking. Once I got hiking, I realized once again that there was no reason to worry. I really enjoyed this climb as it brought a new dimension to the style of hiking we were accustomed to. The maneuvers I had to perform to pull my body up over the rock ledges took my mind off my usual thoughts about the pace and mileage I was doing. We quickly gained elevation in this section, which was very rewarding. Every time I looked down, the river got smaller, and a broader picture of the landscape below emerged.   Once on top of the mountain, I noticed more blueberry bushes (which were in abundance yesterday). These blueberries were even bigger. While I was looking at them, I heard my name called. It was Sir Richard! I looked at him with a confused expression, as I was sure he was well ahead of me. He was one of the hikers to leave the hostel early to hitch. It turned out that he and Bison could not get a ride and ended up walking back to the trail on the highway, just as I had walked in! He asked if I wanted to hike with him for a bit, and I happily obliged. First, though, we ate a few blueberries before wondering if eating blueberries from a superfund site was such a good idea...      While walking along some high grass, two girls had stopped ahead to warn us that there was a rattlesnake nearby and to keep to our right. I wanted to see it but Richard urged me to keep going (I had yet to see a Copperhead or Rattlesnake). As we continued along towards the stretch of trail which had been deforested (smaller than I thought), Chance came along. I wondered if the guys realized that this was our little group that entered the Smoky Mountains together (I don¢t think they did). As Richard and Chance got talking, they automatically picked up their pace and I struggled to keep up. Eventually, I got demoralized and stopped to take a power bar break.      I ran into Veggie Steve and then we found Sir Richard, Chance, Hardcore, and Cyborg sitting on the forest floor, snacking. Veggie Steve asked Sir Richard if he had any water. ¢I do. Do you need some?¢, replied Richard. Veggie Steve nodded and proceeded to take Sir Richard¢s water bottle! I couldn¢t believe his audacity! First of all, we had just come out of town and there was no excuse for Steve not to have filled up his water bottles. Secondly, we are all responsible for ourselves out here. We have to plan and take care of our own basic necessities. We were starting a stretch of the trail where water was fairly scarce. There were no sources of water closer than a half mile from the trail for most of the day. I felt badly for Richard. However, not long afterwards, two dayhikers passed by, the boy returned and asked us if we wanted their leftover water. Yes! He threw us two small bottles of water and we split them amongst the 5 of us.         The group eventually got ahead of me again and I next saw them at the turn-off for the next water source (minus Richard who had chosen to go on). The spring was located a half mile down a hill. I left my pack and took two water bottles down with me. (I was glad I took the time to do this when I found out that the next water source was even farther off the trail).   After eating a quick lunch beside Hardcore, Chance, Cyborg, and the arriving Ahab (who I had never met), I went on my way. I wasn't sure where I was going to end up that night. I was going to see what time it was when I arrived at the next shelter. A little ways before the shelter turn-off, I found Veggie Steve sitting in the middle of the trail. As I got closer, I saw that he had blood on his face from another fall (he had also fallen on his face before Port Clinton). Veggie Steve is known for his constant string of curses, and he did not fail to rattle off a bunch of them to me about the rocks on the trail, and the horrible maintainers. "What are they trying to do? Kill us?" He said that he didn't think he was going to make it much longer. After his rant seemed to slow, I asked if there was anything I could do for him. He told me, no, to go on and leave him be. As I walked on, I realized that he must not have stopped at any of the turnoffs for water and had fallen, partly due to dehydration.       Sir Richard was just leaving the sidepath to the shelter as I was arriving, and I called after him, but he did not hear me. I went along to the shelter, where I found the MD 3 girls and their cousin. Veggie Steve came in soon after and was babied by the group. One got out her first aid kit, another went down to the stream to get him water, and another gave him lots of sympathy. I read in the trail register that Monkey Wrench, who was waiting for Sir Richard, was at the motel at Wind Gap and was looking forward to ordering pizza. I deduced that Sir Richard was on his way to meet him and thought it sounded fun to stay there as well. However, I didn't know if it was worth the money... Another dilemma. I called Erik and asked him his opinion. He said it was worth it for the shower. As my steripen was not working, I decided to continue on toward the motel. It was positioned at the perfect place for a full day today as well as placing the Delaware Water Gap within reach for the following day.   As I crested a hilltop with a powerline on top, I was treated to two animal sightings- a turkey vulture and a deer! Neither seemed to have the need to run away. The deer, once sensing that I was not dangerous, even came closer to me as I stood there. I really enjoy my moments with animals on the trail.   It turns out that a big mass of hikers had gathered at the motel, but most were there for the cans of sodas being sold. I never saw Sir Richard or Monkey Wrench, but got myself a room. It was very smoky, and there was no shampoo or conditioner in the bathroom. However, I ordered a calzone from a restaurant that delivered, took a shower with some of the shampoo and conditioner that I was carrying in my pack for such a situation, and enjoyed a good night's sleep in a comfortable bed.