Date: 2003-06-03
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter 

To: Lehigh Gap, PA 
Miles today: 17.7

Aloha! Did you realize that time really is of essence? Really, it is. I should know, it seems I have some time... since I'm in jail. Yep, jail. But since I have time you'll have to hear about the rest of the day first.   With an early start and a brisk pace ChuckLuck and I were climbing UP PA's Knife's Edge before the haze, fog or whatever had time to set in. Some gorgeous views of the farmlands below. As for the Knife's Edge, well, that was something else. Look at the edge of a sharp knife, run your finger UP it and you'll have a good idea of hiking UP and back down the Knife's Edge. The trail sometimes just has to do this to you. With the right attitude it's a blast to do these things. With an incorrect attitude it's hell. I prefer the "let's play!" attitude myself.   Let's see if I can sum up today. The abridged version goes something like this. From the Knife's Edge to Bear Rocks to Bake Oven Knob - big rocks, boulder size rocks, flat rocks, small rocks, stumbling rocks, sharp rocks, toe stubbing rocks, rocking and rolling rocks, rocks, rocks, rocks, and more rocks. If it wasn't the rocks it was an unmaintained rocky and open ridgeline in the rain that wasn't due in until Thursday. (When did I lose two days?) Beginning late morning it was wet and rocky.   Approximately 2 minutes after ChuckLuck and I made it to my final destination/shelter for the day I found a note from Quasi and Tubs urging us into Palmerton for a night on the town. Two minutes after reading the note the ATC shelter caretaker, Jim Gabovich, walked up in the pouring rain and asked if we wanted a ride to town. Two signs within five minutes telling me to go to town meant I was going to town. Thank you Mr. Gabovich for being our trail angel.   We were taken immediately to... the police station. Huh? The police officer on duty immediately took our driver's license and sent us back out into the pouring rain to walk five buildings down and stand outside. Huh? Being good children we did as we were told and found ourselves outside the old jailhouse. Gulp. The officer showed up, returned our driver's licenses and ushered us to jail. Uh oh.   Welcome to the Jailhouse Hostel! The city graciously allows hikers to stay in the basement room of the borough hall (the old police station) at no charge for one night only. If you check in after 4:30p like we did you get to check in at the nearby police station. Hot showers and a bunk are offered; all for free. Such a hospitable town! Unfortunately we didn't get to sleep in an actual jail cell but that's okay - the concept was there. Had you worried, didn't I?   Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention the wonderful trail angel act upon checking in. The Palmerton Girl Scout Troop 112 put together care packages for the hikers. They consist of a big Ziploc bag (an invaluable item for hikers) with shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, a chocolate, an Advil, and a stamped postcard. Very sweet and considerate of them. Mahalo girls! You rock!   The hostel isn't the greatest of places but then again, it's free. We'll be able to do whatever we desire right after the town prom parents finish working on the decorations for the after graduation party. It's definitely a community place. Quasi and Tubs had already checked in and found the $1.50 Yingling beer so all is good in Palmerton tonight.   The most exciting thing that happened to me today was my reappearing pack cover. Again, huh? Upon returning from doing laundry I found my pack nicely covered with my original cover. Upon turning around I found my boys, Quasi and Tubs, grinning from ear to ear. It seems that Lucy had placed the cover in a Ziploc and tied it to a pole for all to see as they came down off the mountain going into Palmerton. The boys saw it and picked it up to ensure I got it. Now tell me, is Lucy truly not awesome or what! And the boys are great. Mahalo Lucy - you rock too! Quasi and Tubs - you're the best! Mahalo nui loa!   That for the most part was my day. A long wet one that turned into a comfy warm and dry one. I tell ya, life is truly good sometimes. This is definitely one of those times.   There's that time word again. Using it two more "times", it's now "time" for bed. You take care and remember to spend your "time" wisely doing what you love. I know I am. BSandTs: too much rain to noticeAandPs: tired and slightly sore and swollen feet. Dang rocks!MandGs: wet slippery rocks...waah!Critter count: 21x chipmunks, 6x squirrels, 1x ground hog, 1 x deer