Date: 2003-06-15
From: PA 309 Blue Mtn Summit

To: Lehigh Gap PA 248
Miles today: 13.6

Day 94 Avg Mls/Day 13.2Weather: Sunny, less humid. Late afternoon clouds no rain. High temp upper 70'sToday's Nature: Deer...we had a staring contest. I awoke at 3:45 a.m. and went back to sleep until 4:45. Packed up without eating anything and was on the Trail by 5:30. I thought there was plenty of light but right off the bat I missed a double blaze and had to backtrack .2 mile or so.The first few miles wasn't so bad, but then came the rocks. This time the Trail took you over a ridge where you had to walk on the "pointed knife edges," sometimes jumping from boulder to boulder. I think I've said this before, this is my least favorite part of the hike. You concentrate on negotiating the rocks and don't enjoy the suroundings. Nevertheless, with the improved weather there were some views when you could find a place to stop and enjoy them. I would say the rocks were as bad today as any so far...and I hear they get worse before they're over in PA.I started early because I wanted to get into Palmerton, get cleaned up and meet my friends Sam & Betsy. I did stop at the 2 shelters and signed the registers. I hiked alone, saw some people camping along the Trail, but did not pass any hikers. I did stop and eat a couple of pop tarts around 7.When I reached highway 248 into Palmerton and stuck out my thumb, I got picked up almost immediately by the nicest couple, Carl and Levina. As they dropped me off at the borough in Palmerton, Levina gives me this huge chocolate muffin from Perkins. I downed it as soon as I got inside. Thanks again to a couple of great "Trail Angels."It was noon when I checked into the borough. They provide a lounge plus bunk room, bathrooms and hot showers at no charge. A very hiker friendly town.   I did my laundry across the street and took a shower. I then called my parents and wished my father a happy Father's Day. Got a hold of Sam and arranged to meet at 4 p.m.They hapened to be having an antique and custom car show in town. The main street was closed to traffic and there must have been 1000 cars and trucks on display. I walked around; got some ice cream; packed up and walked to the edge of town and waited for Sam.Sam picked me up and took me back to his place for the night. We did stop at an outfitter where I picked up a couple of things. Sam and Betsy, who had been away for the weekend, opened their home to me making me feel so very welcome. Betsy prepared a wonderful dinner... steaks and chicken breasts on the grill, baked potatoes, fresh corn, green beans and wine. It was sooo good! Thanks Betsy! After catching up on each other's latest activities we went to get ice cream and pick up their dogs from being boarded.It was a wonderful reunion that went too fast. They have a beautiful home about 24 miles from the Trail. It was a great visit and I thank them again for opening up their home to me on an already busy weekend. Tomorrow, after breakfast, Sam is going to run me back to the Trail. Thanks for the "trail magic" and for being such gracious hosts.Tomorrow it is back to reality. I would like to be in Delaware Gap by Tuesday evening.   Then, it's good-bye PA rocks!Thought for the Day: It's great to have good friends along the way!