Date: 2016-07-01
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: broken clouds

Nice morning around Eckville. Sunshine took off early and when I woke up properly Crow and Tricks were gone as was Tricks' car, all there gear was still there though. Took my time getting off as usual. Tricks had left some donuts and bananas. They showed back up eventually, they had gone down to the 3Cs restaurant and would have had me come but I was out to the world. I've spent enough time there though, I didn't feel like I had missed out. I ran down to the tent site to chat with Pyro and Thin Mint who were being picked up by a friend later in the morning. Tree headed out planning 12 miles while I was there.When I got back to the bunkhouse Crow was gone, and I saw no sign of Tricks so I headed out. I stopped in at the trail magic set up that was right on the trail. They were setting up when I came in yesterday afternoon and I got a coke. This morning I got some coffee, cheese, sausage, and a muffin. Perfect, cause I wasn't really into the donuts.Big climb early today. I've noticed a bit of a trend with that. Often the day starts with a 1000 ft climb. I've got to stop psyching myself out over those. It's not a big deal, and I know I can do them without much problem, but I get kind of grumpy about it and take more breaks than I really need to. Crow had reported that the news at the restaurant was forecasting storms at 3:30, so we had both decided to stop at the next shelter. 7.4 miles up, no prob. The trail was rocky for sure, but not terrible. I think I might be getting used to it! Ugh! I am definitely getting better at navigating the boulder fields!It was getting fairly dark with the clouds rolling in, so I checked the weather... 2pm thunderstorms?!? That doesn't fit my plans!!! I hit up a spring on a side trail, but realized very quickly I should have just conserved water before I got to that point. This trail was steep AF! Fortunately it wasn't far. Still had to tuck my full water bottle into my bra and use my trekking poles in earnest on the climb back to the trail.I tried to pick up some speed, but it was 130 and I was still more than three miles from the shelter. But, I wanted to clear as many rocks as I could before the rain. It started out with a gentle pitter patter that had been preceded by rolling thunder. Checking the radar pulled up a dark red blob almost on top of me. Now, I don't mind hiking in the rain. In fact I rather enjoy it! I don't even mind the lightening if I'm not too exposed. But, I didn't know what was coming up and I was worried about scrambling around on slick rocks. As the storm really started in I came upon a great little campsite. 2.5 miles from the shelter I stood for a couple of minutes debating before deciding to throw up the tarp and hammock, break out the kindle adm wait out the weather. A reprieve was expected in about 40 minutes. By 3pm the forecast was looking good for a couple of hours so I packed up and headed back out. The rocks weren't bad. I had just had a conversation with Crow about how much easier it is if you walk along the top of the big boulders, stepping or hopping from one to the next. But, with everything being wet now, there were many times I chose a route that would allow me to step around and between the boulders. Better than risking the slippage! All went well and I rolled into the shelter to find Crow, Skibo, Tree, Shaggy (a different Shaggy), and another guy taking a nap. We set about with normal shelter life, chatting, collection wood and water, fiddling with gear, etc. I set my hammock and tarp out to dry which didn't take long. Skibo and Tree kept the fire going all evening and Skibo collected some sassafras root and made us sassafras tea that was actually quite good! I'm in the shelter tonight with Crow, Sojo, Lion Heart, and two other guys. Tree, Skibo, Shaggy, and two other guys are tenting/hammocking. Gunna do a little reading and call it a night. Knife's Edge tomorrow! Hope the rocks are dry by then!