Date: 2022-06-30
From: Palmerton

To: Campsite at mile 1270.8
Miles today: 9.58
Weather: few clouds

Palmerton to Campsite at mile 1270.8Made it to the top of the climb out of Palmerton. I would agree with Brambles and Madame Morrel that the climb was more fun than frightening. In fact there was not one point where I was worried I wouldn¢t make it across. It was very slow going and lots of hand over hand climbing but nothing scary. I know everyone is different and everyone has their own challenges to overcome.  When I was over the climb I met a local hiker out for the afternoon. She asked me what I thought about the climb up. I told her I thought it was fine and enjoyed the scramble. She told me the first time she climbed it she had a terrible case of vertigo.  She made it up but it wasn¢t fun. She said she has since climbed it several more times and had no more problems with vertigo. The biggest issue I had was what to with my trekking poles. Eventually I folded them up and put them in my pack and scrambled along like a spider. Another issue is that it is hot and sunny and you are exposed on the rock. My sun shirt worked fine. Another issue is that this is a Superfund clean up site. It started in 2011 and all of the vegetation must have been removed. When you get to the top there are only short trees and there is no drinking water for the next 20 miles.At a campsite at mile 1270.8. It is at the junction of a blue blaze trail that leads to Delps spring about 0.4 of a mile off the AT (although the sign at the trail junction says the spring is 0.6 away, or 1.2 miles round trip). I wanted to stay here because it is one of the few off trail places to get water for another 10 miles. It was very hot today and I went through all the water I brought. No one else here right now. It is a very large campsite so I wouldn¢t be surprised if others arrive soon. It was a hard day. After the climb, which was the most enjoyable part, came the steady up and down through the rocky trail.  Had another scramble up Blue Mountain, but it was short compared to this morning. Hiked 9.58 miles with 3,455 of elevation gain. Only 27 miles and I am done with PA. Someone said it continues into NJ for 30-40 miles and finally goes through some farms with less rocks. Supposed to have thunderstorms Friday and Saturday. I may have to come up with a plan or just get wet. The bugs were horrible today. I have been wearing my bug net over my hat and it works amazingly well.Brambles was still feeling ill so they were staying at Bert¢s for at least another day. When it¢s not crowded it¢s not bad. It¢s $30 per night, and that includes shower and laundry. It is right in the center of town so easy to walk to stores and restaurants. They got donuts from Dunkin¢ this morning. I had breakfast at Bert¢s. They open at 7 AM and it was packed. I sat at the counter and had a Philly cheesesteak omelette, home cooked potatoes and two coconut pancakes with vanilla sauce. And of course coffee and water. All of that was less than $15. Tracy did drop me off at the trailhead. I guess it¢s no longer free and she charged me $6, which was worth it. She had a convertible Mini Cooper and had the top down. It was a beautiful morning, even if the ride was only 1.8 miles.