Date: 2008-07-21
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

This morning would bring us near another town, which means junk food opportunities. After walking 5 miles I came to Wind Gap. The Gateway motel was only .4 of a mile off trail. There has to be a coke machine?Upon arriving, Sprite was there waiting. Freckles had gone on into town looking for something more substantial. With Sprite watching the packs I to took off for town. I passed 2 convenience stores in search of something better. I ended up walking another 2+ miles to the other end of town, just to have the choice between Dunkin Donut or Burger King. There were other options if I wanted to walk further.I chose BK and tried to enjoy it. It was not worth the walk, however I did get to see this little town, that I otherwise would have never known existed? My boots are getting worse. Where the rubber toe rand meets the leather, it has cut the leather wide open. I have worn Vasque for the last 34 years, however they are no longer the quality boot they once were. Previously Italian but now made in China, I will look elsewhere in the future. I just hope they hold up until I can get to an outfitter and replace them?They say Pennsylvania is where boots go to die. This is holding true for me.However, if it weren't for the design flaw, I could still get more miles out of them. It was another 2 miles in walking back. I did stop and get some junk at the convenience store on my way back.We layed our gear out in the parking lot to let it dry in the sun. All in total, this was 3-1/2 hrs of downtime. Not exactly the best day, but what can you do?Back on the trail and doing another 9 miles to the next shelter. I passed a ridge runner Rue Mcintrich. We stopped and talked briefly, he showed me, as we both were amused at some of the junk he was hauling out from a camp site that someone had left. Not trash, but worthless camping junk, I guess you had to be there, but it just amazes me at times what people will buy, then carry, then leave behind.I finally reached the shelter, there I met a mother & daughter doing a section hike. Their names were associated with and preceded "along" such as "Tag", "Mosey" and their dog "poke". They were very nice and invited me to join them in search of a Celtic villiage that was suppose to be near by? I declined and set up for the night. "Charger Bob", Sprite & Freckles soon arrived. We had dinner in the shelter as the winds were picking up and a storm was on it's way. Nearby was a private retreat that supplied a spigot of running water near the shelter. A sign requested that hikers respect their privacy, Done!To top the day off, Sprite pulled out a Mountain Dew & gave it to Freckles. I was happy for her, as Sprite had given me a coke when we were at Bake Oven Knob Shelter. However, Sprite pulled out a coke for me too. Wow! Sprite is too much. Her giving, just to see the expression on our faces is becoming legendary.Although she doesn't drink pop herself, she does like the sound of the psssst! when we open a can.Here's to you Sprite, a good friend, and a true angel! One final note, Tony left a message on Sprites phone. I called him back from my tent. He is having an MRI done tomorrow and may come see us again in Delaware Water Gap afterward. What a day after all.