Date: 2017-06-10
From: New Tripoli Campsite 

To: Palmerton, PA and Bert's Steak House Hostel 
Miles today: 12.0

The hike back up from the campsite, about. 3 miles, got me and Bloodhound warmed up for what ended up being the first hot day of hiking. Today's hike will take us over two rock formations popular with day hikers and tourists. We saw several out early as we approached parking for the sites. And speaking of those sites....they are comprised of what I call "good PA rocks", actually boulder fields requiring rock hopping and tricky maneuvering with awesome views and ugly consequences if not careful. The first area is called "The Knife Edge". Let that image set in and think what that was like. The second was "Bake Oven Knob. More on these rocks: my definition of the rocks of PA fall into two categories...1) those that have littered the trail here in such density that one cannot hike in any rhythm whatsoever and requires almost constant watching of your foot placement. These slow down the pace for me and destroy any accurate estimates of hours it may take to reach a destination. And these represent what I have fallen on already enough times for this journey. 2) are these boulder fields like today which offer great views usually and while also slowing down the hike are interesting challenges. The type ones are also foot and boot destroyers! Initially I was not going to stop and stay in Palmerton today's destination because information used to plan my pre-hike itinerary indicated no place to camp or stay there. A very popular place, actually the old city jail was closed by the city due to rude and disrespectful hikers a couple of years ago. Fortunately we learned of a new place operated by a local restaurant and who provides free shuttle service to and from the AT. As is usually the case the place was first come first serve so like previous occasion we hustled today to get there before the place filled up. With sore feet and knees we arrived at the trailhead and called the shuttle Good news! We would be the first residents for tonight....and for a mere $20 we got a bunk, a shower and laundry...not to mention free shuttle to and from. When we arrived at the trailhead to call the shuttle we both were very tired. And we had a great view (see photo) of the behemoth climb out of Lehigh Gap tomorrow. There would have been no way, strength wise, to have done that today. PTL for the hostel being available. The hostel while small, only holding 6, it was well appointed. In addition to free showers and laundry, they provided sheets, towels, pillows and even razors and deodorant...good because while I carry a razor, I discovered it had been crushe'd in my pack. A shave after two weeks will be nice. Bloodhound and me had a welcomed surprise after we returned from a quick resupply at the grocery, a short two blocks from the hostel. Fiddle, a hiker we had meet along with her friend EB (the one from Mason, OH) was there. EB, like me had fallen on the rocks and headed home. The three of us were about the same ages and decided to hike out together in the morning. Unknown at the time this was the beginning of a strong trail friendship between the three of us We went to dinner together at the steakhouse owned by the hostel and wow what a menu!! This is a breakfast, lunch and dinner place so we would be back tomorrow am for breakfast before heading back out. Also at the hostel were two thru hikers, Hickory from Colorado and Lo Tech from Texas who were hiking together. Those guys also being about our age made excellent roommates for the night. Lots we could talk about. Blessings,