Date: 2015-07-01
From: Applebee Campsite

To: Unnamed Campsite North of Shartlesville
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: moderate rain

Forget about rocks. Pennsylvania should be known for its swamps!Today turned out to be perfect hiking weather, but that didn't seem likely to happen when I woke at 12:30 because of lightning and thunder. Fortunately the thunder clap that woke me was the closest I heard last night, so by the time I was aware of the storm, it was moving away from me. I much prefer that to me hearing it as it approaches!Because all the trees shake water after a storm, it's always hard to tell whether it's still raining or not. Partly because of that, I got up late and finally left camp around 7. And apparently I left my spoon behind. There was a rocky semi-bolder section in the morning that was kind of fun. On fresh legs. When it's not too long (it wasn't). It does really slow me down though, because I very carefully place not only my feet but also my poles. Sometimes the poles are a liability in these rocks and I don't use them and other times I don't know how I'd make it without them. Either way, I always feel like I am one false move from a broken leg, hence the slow progress.Rocks were not what stood out the most though. Because of the rain last Saturday and then again yesterday, the trail was a swamp for long stretches at a time. My feet were never dry all day and my poor new shoes look much the worse for wear. I actually have several hot spots on top of my toes, where my wet socks are causing friction. I tried to fix it with duct tape with only modest success, so I hope the overnight drying out of feet, socks and shoes will help. One side effect of all this water everywhere is that the mosquito population seemed to have quadrupled overnight. I actually applied DEET today, twice, and I really don't like to use that stuff. But it was that or insanity.On the bright side though, the water also means that notoriously dry Pennsylvania has more water sources than you can throw a stick at (did I just make that up as an expression?). I went .3 off trail to the only shelter I would pass today, because it was the last listed reliable water source before my planned camp location. Between the shelter and my camp about 4 miles further, there were at least 4 more good sources. They weren't listed, because I don't think they are normally there.Temperatures have been uncommonly cool here as well, which I consider a big bonus. Here it is July and I don't think we hit eighty degrees. This is the first night this week I'm not wearing my puffy jacket while writing my journal. It has been lovely sleeping weather, aside from being woken up by thunder claps, that is.We passed the 1200 mile mark today but there was no marker. If there had been one, I'm sure it was washed away in last night's thunderstorm. Since I don't have GPS, I didn't know where the 1200 mark was exactly so I didn't make one. Also, I don't have the patience. I am camped by myself again and it is one of my favorite spots so far. There are several tent sites and it is both open and wooded at the same time. I was about to make dinner when I realized I was missing my spoon, so I had olives as an appetizer, then crackers with prosciutto, with two cups of tea. It was all very civilized, if a bit low in calories. Tomorrow I go into Hamburg to resupply, so I'll have make sure to eat my share of town food. It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.I'm not actually going to stay in town, but rather do my chores and leave again. I am meeting Gary at a road crossing Friday some time and I have to make sure I can actually make it there.But I will make time to go to the largest Cabela's in the world before leaving town. Just 'cause (and I need a new spoon anyway).Open map in new windowWant to add a map to your journal?