Date: 2018-08-18
From: Baked Oven Road

To: Blue Mountain Drive
Miles today: 13.7

We got off to an early start this morning. Seylor came with us today. It¢s been a while since she¢s had a hiking day, and she loves being out there chasing squirrels. Right away the trail turned to rocks and boulders. Every step had to be taken cautiously, and just like that Hugs fell. We had not been out there an hour yet.  There were no squirrels or chipmunks on the rocks. I mostly saw spiders, and during the ¢less rocky¢ moments there were lizards and caterpillars.  By ¢less rocky¢ I mean there were still rocks, but I could actually see soil between them. I still couldn¢t take a solid step.  I met a couple groups of people on the rocks. They were hiking from the other direction. I can¢t imagine living locally and choosing this area to hike in. There are many parts of the trail I want to re-visit, but Pennsylvania is definitely NOT one of them! It¢s a little sad that I feel this way, because I genuinely like the folks I¢ve met from this area. Really good people!  After having about all I could take of rocks, a nice little reprieve came. At times I was hiking between ferns that were as high as my waist on each side. Other times I could see the town below. As bad as the rocks were, this part was equally as good. Seylor took a moment to make her own blue blazes. It was peaceful, at times the only sounds were my footsteps and the jingle of Seylor¢s tags on her collar.  There was a shelter right on trail. We had pre-planned to meet there for lunch so Seylor and I stopped. I fed her good at lunch. Those rocks were difficult for her and she burned a lot of energy keeping her balance making her way through the scrambles.  Sitting there was another NOBO thru-hiker trail named Sugar Pants. He¢s here from Australia and has to fly back October 2nd. He says he¢s given up on the idea of seeing Katahdin. It was a little heartbreaking to hear.  Hugs arrived in time to meet Sugar Pants. We ate our lunch and continued down the mountain. I could see we were coming to the Lehigh River and a road so Seylor spent a while on her leash. We crossed the river and a highway then started UP.  Soon it went from rocks to boulders. Then from hiking to mountain climbing. The sun was at its highest and there was no shade. My poor dog! I had to lift her several times. Then hugs would lift and push while I grabbed and pulled. This is not a place for dogs. I felt horrible. She was obviously scared. At times her legs were trembling while she balanced herself on narrow or sharp pointy edges. She¢s such a trooper.  With lots of encouragement she kept on going even though it was clear she was beyond her limit. She drank all of her water that she carried. I started filling her bowl from my camel back. Before long we were both out of water. The blazing sun was brutal, the mountain was brutal. If I had time, I would have cried.  Finally the worst was over and Seylor and I were relieved to be hiking on Blue Mountain Ridge at 1419ft elevation. She still laid down every opportunity she got. It was killing me to see her like that. I would pause often and enjoy the view from the ridge so she could rest.  The village below was so small and cute. I doubt there was even a grocery store. I could picture a beautiful winter scene down there with kids ice skating and a snowman in someone¢s front yard. I wish I knew the name of that village. I really enjoyed it from afar.  I came to a pine forest up there. These pines were less fragrant than others I¢ve come across on the trail. The needles were far more bristled too. I still enjoyed them. They went right along with the winter scene I had in my mind.  Seylor and I waited on a cool rock for Hugs before we headed down the last half mile. It was rocky going down, but the kind where you can see soil. Sprinkles started to fall with about 100 yards to go. I welcomed them. This day was brutal.  When I saw Papa Big Swig I fell to tears. I was so worried about Seylors health. And to think I did that to her.  I had no idea the terrain was that bad, or I never would have taken her.  I got my crying out on the ride back to the camper. When we arrived, there was a package from Big Kahuna waiting for us.  He had made photo books for Hugs and I. Each book was special to us. Mine was titled ¢For Dad¢. Oh my goodness... I fell to tears again! Happy tears this time! Big Kahuna is the best trail brother I could have. I miss him every day! As a matter of fact I said to myself during the hike, this would be easier if Big Kahuna was here. He always took the lead if the climbs were dangerous and paved the safest path for us girls. Hurry back Big Kahuna!  So with happy thoughts I took a shower and put on my best ¢hiker chic¢ attire for a campground party tonight. Wine, cheese, and an 80¢s band! It was a blast! The lead singer brought attention to Hugs and I for thru-hiking. They performed a song for us by CCR...Up Around The Bend.  A great ending to a completely miserable hike....Until Next Time Blue Raccoon (2018)Where¢s your faith?