Date: 2004-07-16
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Blue Mtn Inn
Miles today: 11.5

Start Eckville ShelterDestination Blue Mtn. InnI was set for a day's hike in the rain, but after about an hour the sun was out and blue skies shined on the trail until lunch time. Of course the morning started off with an uphill climb from the shelter, then an hour long climb to the top of the mountain. There was less moisture on the ground today than in the last few days, although I did have to knock a few slugs off of my tent this morning. I got to Allentown Hiking Shelter in time for lunch and just in time to dodge a light shower. Trail Dog and SpinCycle were there and with a little arm twisting, we decided to split a room at the Blue Mountain Inn. That meant we only had four more miles to hike. The shower stopped just as soon as we used Trail Dog¢s phone to make our room reservation! Blue Mtn Inn is just off of the trail about 500 feet. From the outside, it looks like a typical nondescript tavern/inn. We joined T and Rally at a table after we got our room. It was too early for dinner, so I ordered a small salad. Margo suggested we make reservations for dinner, which we did. While we ate, we got to talking to the proprietor of the inn, Ken Lalik. This is a family run business. His niece, Margo is the manager, his sister Sue waits tables. Chef Mike prepares the most delicious and appetizing meals. I ordered one of the evening specials. Grilled Salmon pieces with roasted tomatoes, saut©ed zucchini, mushrooms, onions and peppers over linguini. Of course my meal started with a house salad that was made with several different kinds of lettuces, purple onions, bell peppers, fresh mushrooms, cherry tomatoes covered with a light raspberry vinaigrette dressing, served with different fresh breads. My meal was one of the most delicious meals I have ever eaten. And it wasn't because I have been on the trail either. I know good food when I taste it. Since it was Friday night, there was live music playing. A bluegrass band called Kelly Planer and the Perks. Eating, listening to music and watching Spincycle put away dessert after a huge prime rib made for an enjoyable evening. Again, the unexpectedness of it made it a truly memorable experience. The data book lists this place as a fine dining restaurant. I think it would be better listed as a hiker friendly eating establishment. Price wise the value is more than there for what you get, and the whole staff went out of their way to be friendly to us... If you ask permission thru hikers can pitch their tents outside in the back yard and water is readily available. Ken has a very dry sense of humor, but was more than accommodating to us, a bunch of smelly hikers. Maybe that is why we got our laundry done! The room was nothing fancy, but it was clean and quiet, with plenty of hot water and clean towels. Poor Trail Dog lost the coin toss and had to sleep on the floor, but with the single mattress Ken bought in, it was at least more comfortable than a shelter floor. While we were eating dinner, another rain storm passed through, dumping even more rain on an already saturated ground. Once again, I am glad to be inside, dry, well fed and in good company. Ahhhhh...the rigors of thru hiking.Total miles 11.5