Date: 2009-07-13
From: Allentown Shelter, PA

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter, PA
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

What a day! Bark and I woke up with the birds this morning- bright and early. Even though PA has treated us to cool summer temps recently, it is still nice to start out with even cooler temps in the morning. By 7:20 we were leaving the shelter and trying to fight off the mosquitoes as we walked away. The terrain started out pretty smooth which is always a good way to start the day. By mid morning we had crossed over both Bear Rocks and "The Cliffs"- two high and rocky climbs. Large boulders with steep drop offs on both sides makes me a little nervous, but there is no other way to get across or back down. I am definitely challenging my fears out here and so far very successfully. The day progressed with not too many surprises, except some great trail magic right before a nice climb. We hiked most of the day without seeing any other thru hikers, only a few section hikers who warned us of a few dry springs ahead. As we began a descent to the Outerbridge Shelter Bark asked me about a certain singer that I like. I proceeded to sing a few bars of one of my favorite songs totally unaware of two boys climbing up towards us. I am pretty sure I turned bright red when I heard Bark say "hey guys" and then looked up to see them only a couple feet away. He got a big kick out of knowing that I had totally embarrassed myself. He was apparently perfectly pleased with himself as he continued to laugh and mock me all the way down to town. It gave us both a good laugh. Palmerton was not an originally planned stop for us, but coming down to the road we had heard that water was scarce for the next 15 miles and by that time we had a good look at the climb ahead. It was then that we decided Palmerton was the place to be. We walked along the trail and stopped at the stop light considering a hitch or if we should just walk the 2 more miles to town. We actually just found out that it is illegal to hitch hike in PA-oops! So, as the local police officer rolled up to the stop light we asked him if the rumor about hitch hiking was true and while he confirmed our fear of the legality he also offered us a ride! It was great.Officer Ritter popped the trunk of his patrol car and gave us a nice entry into the very charming town of Palmerton, PA. Bark and I can officially say we have ridden in the back of a police car and now we can tell people we have spent the night in jail! That's right, we are spending the night in the old Palmerton jail. The building has been renovated and remodeled into different city offices, and the basement has been turned into a large room with bunks and tables. But many years ago it was a jail. We registered with one of the city officials, said thanks and goodbye to Officer Ritter, then hit the showers! What a wonderful (and free) stop along the trail.The town is beautiful with extremely friendly townspeople. The grocery store even gives hikers a free apple of their choosing. We hit up Bert's Steakhouse, the local 50's style diner, the market and finally the hiker friendly library to catch up on emails and collect more phone numbers. Also, at the hiker jailhouse tonight are Cas and Lean-To (aka the Mass Gardener). It has been great catching up with them and hearing about their hikes. We had not seen them in quite some time and were very excited when they walked through the door. It is now just the 4 of us tonight and we are expecting a ride back to the trail head tomorrow at 7:00am. The climb tomorrow is about 1,000 feet in only a quarter of a mile- very steep. The side of the mountain is completely barren, rocks and lots of shale due to zink and coal minning many years ago. I am feeling a little intimidated after seeing the mountain today, but I always take comfort in knowing that many people have done it before me and therefore I can do it too! Well time to rest now, getting late and it has been a full day. We are very thankful for the hospitality in Palmerton and a hot shower at the hiker "Burrough".