Date: 2003-07-28
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Stealth Campsite
Miles today: 13.2

WOO-HOO!!! Today, I challenged my biggest fear on the Trail...and overcame it! We started out at 10, a litle late, but made pretty good time. There were a couple of rocky sections right off the bat, then the terrain wasn't devoid of rocks, but there weren't any "rock gardens" or big rock climbs. We walked for several miles along a ridgeline that had more scrub-like vegetation than anything else. There were TONS of blueberries growing by the Trail...we had a mini-feast, then continued on. I found a really great break spot...pine trees surrounded by grass, with only a few rocks. There was a fabu breeze blowing, and we could see the coolest clouds all along the horizon. We probably stayed there too long, but it felt wonderful. If we'd had more time, we probably would have napped there! Continuing on, we loaded up with water at the next shelter...water is extremely scarce in these parts of Pennsyltucky. According to our plan for the day, we'd need to make that water l!ast for the next 7 miles, then go to a place 3/4 mile off the Trail to get enough to last us the night and 10 miles tomorrow. And ahead of us still lay...my biggest fear. What is it? The ascent out of Lehigh Gap...it's something I've both heard and read about. All I knew, without seeing it, was that at least part of it was straight up, and you need to find hand and foot holds in many places...Albert Mountain magnified. I was very nervous as we descended into the gap and I looked across the river to see the mountain...it looked terrifying. It looked like a huge rock pile with cliffs extending in many directions...yikes! We crossed the river, then the road, then started up. The first bit was somewhat steep, but fairly easy. We took a break before we headed out onto the exposed part of the mountain. It was definitely tough...I couldn't use my poles in many places, as I had to hold on and propel myself with my hands as well as feet and legs. Gerri had some difficulti!es with the same spots as me, but we were both able to talk ourselves through them. It took us an hour to complete the less than one mile 800 foot ascent...but I was very proud of myself (and Gerri!). If nothing else out here, I am learning to confront my fears and just deal with them. It's a very powerful feeling. With the climb behind us, we took another break, then walked for several miles along a dirt road. It felt very desolate and barren...rocks and dead trees for miles. I was glad when we got out of that area and descended into the next gap. It was there that we received amazing Trail Magic! We knew we had a 1/2 mile climb to camp, then Randy and I were going to have to hike for water. When we crossed the road, however, Gerri discovered several gallon jugs of spring water...yay! My feet were rejoicing, as I wasn't sure how I was going to be able to hike the extra mile or so for water. We filled up all our bottles and moved on before the mosquitos could eat us alive. After one last rock climb to top off our day, we were able !to find a stealth campsite near two towers and set up camp. Belly full of macaroni and cheese (with tuna and shitake mushrooms!) and Orange Mandarin Spice tea, I write this now...nodding off...goodnight!