Date: 2010-05-05
From: Jailhouse Hostel

To: Delph Springs
Miles today: 12.0

1CPR. I need to expand a bit about Palmerton...  JP and I hiked  across the Lehigh River and came to an ugly uphill climb over some moonscape rocks with a side blue blaze trail 2 mi hike  into town. We took the blue blaze and after a short way, the blazes stopped. We continued per his expert navigation and came across a small bridge where a lady was on guard duty. She confirmed for us the path into town and on we hiked. We entered town and found Freeman chilling in the park. He escorted us to the muni bldg where we checked into the Jailhouse Hostel. We showed Id's which were duly recorded. Note for thru- hikers: I'd avoid the hostel if there are any open wants and warrants. After checking in Roger gave us a tour. The gym looked like it was used for the set in "Hoosiers" only it was more aged. The men's room had Boraxo (Q: how many readers are old enough to know what this is?).  We then went downstairs where there was about 10 double bunks and presented a small care package with toothbrush and paste, stamped postcard, granola bar and copy of the hostel rules. We got showered, washed clothes and then hung them out in the boiler room to dry - again another example of the early 1920 s. JP wanted a practice lunch so he dragged me out in my skimpies in a pouring rain. We found a Quizno's and JP had his first eats there. We then went to the library for awhile and returned to the hostel. Fahmah and Springbok had arrived. They also were concerned about the route into town and asked directions from a construction crew about the shortest route to the bar. They were told to follow the two hikers (us) just ahead of them. They also lucked out and for a ride to the hostel from mayor. We later went to Bert's Steakhouse for dinner and dessert.  On the way back to hostel we saw a signsaying "Cruising" was illegal and you couldn't pass this area more than 3 times in one night. The Over the Hill Gang of Five got into the hostel and prepared for bed before lights out. Fahmah and Springbok started arguing like an old married couple. I thought I'd have to serve as judge for "Divorce Court" after a bit.  I was tired. Springbok turned off the lights and I'm sure I was asleep before he reached his bunk. 2. Report. JP and I were up early and went to Berts for breakfast. We took the hostel towels to the laundrymat and started a load of wash. After breakfast, we turned dryer duties over to Fahmah and Springbok. Freeman had a big breakfast and was out when we returned. He hikes heavy miles days and don't know if I'll see him again unless he pulls a few zeros. As we were leaving, we learned Fahmah and Springbok were going to be doing some slackpacking, but  expect some gold blazing. JP and I were off for the day's hike. The forecast was a 1000 ft climb, then several miles over a zinc wasteland and a walk thru the park to the first water , a spring over 10miles away. So we left with full water rations. We took a blue blaze to the top of the zinc wasteland. Passed a very strong water flow and well and then startedthe 1000 ft climb.  After about 800 ft, I noticed water running down the back of my leg bi quickly inspectedy pack to discover the hose connection at the bottomof my water bladder had separated and dumped over 2 liters of water in the pack. I was able to rescue maybe one liter. I considered hiking back to well to resupply; but saw that a town was only a mile or two off aRoad if I needed water. So on we hiked. After reaching the summit we found the AT had been re routed. We basically skipped the zinc wasteland and was hiking on a grassy service road. The weather was cool and there was a gentle breeze. After returning back to the AT we found a spring pumping water out of the road and were able to fill up  We continued hiking and had another PA "forget me not" boulder field. But, we perservered and made our way to the Delph Springs and found an excellent campsite near the trail. JP pitched the tents and I fetched water. We fixed dinner, hung bear bags and getting ready now to turn inJP quote of day:  everyone knows what a space cadet is.  But sometimes during a hike one will meet a "trail cadet" who exceeds all standards3 QOD: Cap'n Jack from Clear lake Shores asks: Tic, how's the body holding out?  Big and Little Hurt are much better now. And HalfNail was never much of a problem. There are a couple of other toes trying to become ned body parts but I kinda scoffed at them. I had a couple of black fly bites right near my wristband and possibly a slight case of poision ivy on myback. But other that that, all is well. Note: readers are encoraged to sign the guest log and ask questions. I'll try to answer as soon as time, phone power and cell coverage permits6 Bert's Steakhouse (Palmerton). 2 Greasy Spoons. Good home style meals with old time sodas and phosphatesLife is Great!!