Date: 2007-06-21
From: PA Route 309 intersection

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 13.6

I completed last night's journal entry in the late afternoon. However, in the evening, I met Toesocks I and II (they're on trail journals). They have an interesting story."Mrs Toesocks" (Toesocks I) is a retired nurse. "Mr. Toesocks" (Toesocks II) is a retired psychologist. They sold their house in Alabama this year and moved only their necessities and a few other possessions into a storage unit. Their mail goes to a Post Office Box and they are basically homeless. They intend to buy a huge R.V. to live in and to drive around the country, visiting friends and family members until they need to move into an assisted living facility. They get their trail name from the type of socks they wear. Apparently, their socks look like gloves; there is a little bit of fabric covering their toes. I've never seen or heard of such a thing, but they say that they prevent blisters.(A company called Injinji makes these socks for hikers and runners:http://injinji.com/tetratsok/outdoor.htm)This morning, for the last time, I met with Beach Bum, Backyard Boogie(who has been my roommate at the motel for the past few days), and "First Wife" for an early breakfast. "First Wife" was doing to drop the three of us of at the PA 309 intersection with the Trail so that we could continue 13.6 miles into Palmerton, Pennsylvania.We began hiking at 8 AM in the deep green woods of eastern Pennsylvania. What we did not know was that today was going to be the rockiest segment that we've been on, so far. The rocks ranged from shoebox size on up to a size that caused us to leap from one boulder to the next. In a few spots, we had to walk along slanted rock faces at the top of the ridge. Fortunately, the weather was crystal clear. Crossing this section in the rain with the moss growing on some of the rocks would have made it very dangerous. I wouldn't be surprised if there have been some bad accidents involving hikers in this area.The exposed boulders on the crest of this area gave us some of the best views in Pennsylvania, so far. Many springs in this segment were dry today. I barely had enough water, but I'm careful to take enough to avoid dehydration.The blueberries are ripe. There are lots of them about two miles south of Palmerton on the west side of the trail.Around 3:30 PM, Beach Bum, Backyard Boogie, and I wandered across the Lehigh River and walked towards Palmerton. Backyard Boogie took the initiative to ask drivers of pick-up trucks at an intersection if they could give us a two-mile ride into town. Within five minutes, we all piled into a pick-up that raced into town and to the old city police station where hikers are allowed to stay for free in the basement on bunk beds.The "lodging" is free. We also have access to hot showers, too. It is very basic, but the city welcomed us here with a small care package containing Advil, a pre-stamped post card, a calling card, a granola bar, etc¢¦ It is late and I need sleep.Who's here? Beach Bum, Backyard Boogie, Mystery Chicken, Jazznuts, Waffle, Beatbox (2007), Stretch and Yard Sale. I think there are a couple more, but they are out and around town.