Date: 2004-09-01
From: Wind Gap Motel

To: Palmerton (Jailhouse Hostel)
Miles today: 20.4

[All of us in Florida are preparing for Hurricane Frances. After what Charley did (see photos), no one is taking this one lightly. Little Bump's mom spoke with Flounder's mom today and they are all well prepared in the Bahamas also. Frances' path looks to be heading right over Eleuthra where Flunder's mom lives and then looks like it might hit land in Florida on the Space Coast where Moccasin, the regular scribe (LB's sister) lives. Then it will probably head right into the Orlando area where I live. So, it will be an exciting few days. Moccasin or I will try to keep the journal updated as best we can, however, we are probably going to be without power for a few days. We appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers for Little Bump and Flounder's families. - Rosebud]                                          9/1 wed.   Wind Gap to Palmerton (Jailhouse Hostel)A quick check on weather and a couple more phone calls then on the trail. Again, prayers for all encountering the storm. Rocks again right away but nothing we have not seen before. They just go on and on and become tiresome after awhile. Flounder is happy with her new cushy shoes (and she rubs it in too)! The air is much cooler and drier today, Praise the Lord! We get get a few views but are stuck in the green tunnel most of the day. After Little Gap we climb up to a nearly barren rock ridge with ocassional patches of thick brush. In one such section of brush, Flounder suddenly leaps forward like a deer yelling "Holy *hit", leaving me standing practically beside a huge rattlesnake (photos coming soon) and wondering how I was going to get around it. I quickly back step but both of us were within 1 1/2 feet of it (easily striking distance). I ask why she had jumped over the snake instead of stopping and she said that she couldn't stop her forward momentum. So now we are on opposite sides of this beautiful snake with wonderful colors that look like velvet. What to do? Go around thru thick grass and risk stepping on other snakes or try and coax this one off the trail? We stomped our feet and the "poor thing" (I know you'd like that Mom Cates) lifted its tail and flicked its tongue but never rattled. I finally had to get a stick (a very LONG one) and move it off the trail. Still it didn't rattle! Friendly rattlesnake! From the photo we count 15 rattle segements! We never got to see it fully stretched out but it had to be 5'-6' long and it was very FAT! Needless to say we were on pins and needles for the next 4 miles. The descent into Lehigh Gap was dope! Lots of bouldering involved - reminded us of Maine. Climbing it would have been fun too.We hitched into Palmerton easily and arrive at the "Jailhouse Hostel" with sore feet and somewhat frazzled, in serious need of a double shot of glucosamine with a shark cartilage chaser (for our aching knees)! We are disgusted to read in the register how most of the SOBOs acted while they were here. Drunk or stoned idiots. Grow up and show a little respect and courtesy. This town is letting us stay here for free (with a goodie bag included) so the least we can do is show a little respect in return. The NOBOs were much cooler and more appreciative (from what we read anyway). What a nice place to stay.   20.4 miles                  total 931.1