Date: 2008-07-20
From: Zero in Slatington

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Tony & I woke up early, showered and sat out on the front porch talking at about 05:30 a.m. S&F wanted to get an early start this morning, however when I knocked on their door, they were not up yet. Only one thing to do now and that's go have breakfast down the street.As we were leaving, I met a hiker named "Walkie Talkie" he was waiting to be shuttled back to the trail head. We didn't have the room or else he could have rode back with us. Upon finishing our meal, S&F joined us, so we all were able to hang out together a little longer. Tony had us back at the trailhead in Lehigh Gap just after 8:00. We said our goodbyes, took pictures then headed out & up.Several moments later, Tony surprised us by climbing up the side of the mountain and met us at the trail. We had a good laugh, and he got an appreciation of what it feels like to climb. The fact that he wasn't wearing a pack made him all the more respectful of what it takes.He truly wanted to be joining us, but had his own life he had to return too. Another hug and handshake, and back down the mountain he went.The steep climb up was rock after rock. The heat already had everything cooking, upon reaching the top, there was nothing but desolation. Acid rain from extensive Zinc mining in the area had turned this mountain top into a wasteland.You would have to see it to believe it, and still would have trouble accepting it. The top is relatively a flat rocky desert. This is an EPA Superfund site with efforts of restoration, however, it will be a very long time before life will take hold again.After a time, I was coming around a bend and there sitting down was "The New Hampshire Boys", Corey, Taylor & Jack!. It's been nearly 700 miles since I last saw them in Damascus, and poof, just like that, here they are!That's the way it is, each day you never know if you will see someone again or not? It was a good reunion. "Extra" had been hiking with them and was here also.A couple of miles later we met up again at Little Gap at Blue Mtn.Road. Yesterday, we dropped off a case of water at the trail head, this was courtesy of Sprite and her Trail Magic!. We had our water resupply cached deeper in the woods in a clandestine spot.Everyone was really grateful for Sprite's generosity. Water sources are scarce through here. I also met a section hiker named "Charger Bob" he was retired Air Force and out on the trail for a few days.I moved on and it seemed the trail consisted of mostly annoying rocks.After about 15.8 miles I came to the Leroy Smith Shelter. I decided to walk back and tent in an open area just off the trail. As I entered the area there were 2 deer there grazing, I watched them until they became aware of me and then disappearred.After pitching m y tent,I walked nearly a half mile to get water. The first 2 springs were dry, 3's a charm. It was a slow half mile back up the hill. When I returned, "Charger Bob" had arrived. Eventually Sprite & Freckles showed up, we all had dinner and then the rain came, First the thunder and then the rain.Sometime during the night, I was awakened to the sound and lights from 2 couples that arrived late, and were setting up in the dark. Eventually it got quiet again and I fell back asleep. The good thing was, the rain had actually cooled things down and the night was comfortable.