Date: 2004-06-15
From: Slatington, PA (hostel)

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: broken clouds

Started at: Palmerton (Jail Hostel)Ended at: Leroy Smith ShelterMiles: 15.7Here's just a sampling of the kinds of people we run into out here. These are the non-hiker folks we talked with just today:1. We walked out of the Palmerton jail hostel at nine thirty (late start) looking for a hitch to the trail head. We walked half way out into Main Street and stuck out our thumbs. This town's so friendly, we knew it'd be a quick hitch. Not even five minutes later a nice older gentleman pulled over in his little hatchback. "Hop in," he said. We stuffed our gear in and drove away. He was very nice. He told us that his brother (who hiked the trail a few years ago) said you should always pick up AT hikers because they are all good people. We agreed with that statement and talked for a bit about all the wonderful people we've met on and along the trail. Arwen asked the fellow how long he'd lived in the area. He replied, "oh, about 81 years!" with a wide grin on his face. As he deftly pulled a three-point turn we silently admired his driving abilities. We told him about Bert "Wildcat" Emerson, an 81-year-old thruhiker out on the trail this year who keeps moving so fast we can't catch up with him. Our driver got a twinkle in his eye at that.2. Three of us are sitting next to a road taking a break after some very tedious and rocky miles. A guy pulls up to the intersection looking lost and confused. Eventually he sees us, rolls down his window, and below is the conversation... Clueless Dude: "Have you guys seen any coyotes?"Arwen: "Nope."Clueless Dude: "I'm a coyote hunter. Never actually seen one though."Arwen: "Uuhhhmmm, ok."Clueless Dude: "Hey do you know where the game lands are for hunting coyotes?"Arwen: "Nope, uuhhmm this is the appalachian trail...for...you know... hikers." Clueless Dude: "Oh, ok I"ll just see where this road goes."Hmm, a "coyote hunter" who has no idea *where* to hunt coyotes and has never even *seen* one. Guess it takes all kinds. Later tonight we thought of the clueless coyote hunter when we heard lots of rapid rifle shots for about thirty minutes. All the hikers couldn't help ducking as they walked around camp.3. Shortly after the hapless hunter drove off into confusion, another truck pulled up and rolled down its window. We had just been talking about how unfortunate it was that the last spring we passed was dry. The two of us were set ok for water, but the other guy we were with, Lucky Dog, was completely out. We still had 4 miles to go, and it was pretty hot out. Anyway, this fellow, a young guy, asks us if we're hiking the trail. "Yep, goin all the way." He says, "Well I just live down the road a mile or so. If you like you can tent in my yard and use the spicket outside." Wow, talk about hospitality! We declined his offer but explained the predicament we were in for water. Next thing we know he's hopping out of the truck and hunting under the seats until he finds a 2 liter of seltzer water for Lucky Dog. Then he pulls out some chocolate chip granola bars. Man, what a guy!Well as you can see, people run the gamut out here. You never know who you'll run into.Camera 1 & Camera 2Heather & Arwenvaughan@pocketmail.comhttp://www.hobbithole.net