Date: 2004-07-17
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Campsite just past Weathering Knob
Miles today: 14.0

Happy Wedding Justin!There's only one word to describe my emotion earlier today: petrified!The day began as any other, awake at 5:50, body stretched by 6:15, out of my bag by 6:30 and on the trail by 7:30. A hike of 6.8 miles took us to George Outerbridge Shelter where we sat for 30 minutes debating going another seven miles or hitching into Palmerton to stay a night in the famous "jailhouse" hostel. The decision was put off until the very last moment, at the intersection of the trailhead and the hitching opportunity. Directly behind us appeared Chef, just leaving town. I wished him happy trails and was ready to stick out my thumb when Ursa Minor said ¢Let's keep going¢. In retrospect, I'm so thankful we did.I had looked up to where I was certain we were headed and viewed this incredibly huge pile of rocks, very steep. Half-joking, I said to Ursa Minor "It'd be just like the AT planners to take us across that rockface. Naw, that'd be too dangerous. But betcha we go to the top and walk across on the edge." I so wish I had been correct. We conquered the uphill climb just as we've handled all other climbs: a few huffs and puffs and grunting and groaning. Then we found ourselves staring at white blazes that went horizontally across the rocks instead of vertically all the way to the top. At 12:30 we began our climb, at 2:30 we were safely to the other side, less than one-half mile. Literally, we were on our hands and knees, pulling ourselves up and over slanted rock slabs, hanging on for dear life to any lip we could find. At one point we were nearly frantic, as we could see no way to progress. Then our Godsent angel Chef came up behind us. We let him go around, he went up 20 feet, dropped his pack and came back to get ours. After he lofted those up he returned to guide our hands and feet. I found it more difficult to watch Ursa Minor crawl up than it was to do so myself. So when we picked up our packs I went first, reached the other side and waited for her. Then we cried our tears of relief together! Now I see in the Handbook there is an alternative trail to the top and across on the ridge (just as I suspected) which we might have taken. I need to find out if that's acceptable to qualify still as a pure thru-hiker. If so, I will take it next time.   I'm out here for the physical challenge, true, but not to accomplish death-defying stunts! To me it's not worth the risk.The next five miles gave us a grim up-close view of man's destructive power. There was no vegetation or green growth due to industrial pollution. As far as the eye could see stood barren tree trunks, dead fallen branches, and rocks. The scene was gruesome -- especially because we were searching for a tree-enclosed campsite for the night. The next shelter was another 12 miles away and it was already 4:00.With the exception of one rocky climb to a vista of sorts the terrain was flat and easy. At 6:00, exhausted from the emotional stress of the afternoon, we found a lovely little spot, set up camp, forced ourselves to fix some supper and are crashing. I wish I had taken a picture of the rockfaced mountain from the bottom.   Once I was across I had no desire to photograph any memory of those two hours. Hopefully I can put it out of my consciousness, get a good night's sleep, and shake the fear. Thank you's to God for His protection and care have spilled forth all afternoon. Special thanks to Chef for his concern and assistance today. You were a true angel to us today. Bless you my friend.