June 17 - 20.4 / 1,268.8

Fusion and I got out of the hostel around 7:15. It took a few minutes to get a hitch, but we eventually got picked up by a young adult heading to work. She was running late and had to work a 12 hour days as a PA. She said picking us up would give her an excuse for being late and would help to brighten her day. She seemed outdoorsy and mentioned her and her husband do quite a bit of hiking. She dropped us off at the trail head and headed on her way.

We too headed on our way and began the ascent out of town. The climb required some focus as some of it was a little boulderring and rock scrambles. I got ahead of Fus and waiting for him at the top. The climbed offered some excellent views of the town, the valley, and the surrounding area. However, it is terrible that pollution has allowed for the views and the fun climb. Fus showed up after I had waited for about 30 minutes. He said he ended up following a fake blaze and climbed the wrong way. The climb took him to the peak and overlooking a vertical cliff down. He said he instantly knew something was wrong. He descended and ran into Turkey and Thrasher (T and T). He saw their path and got back on the trail.

For the next 4 or 5 miles we walked along a ridgeline. Again, we just saw more devastation from the zinc plant. T and T ended up catching up. We all ended up hiking together for the rest of the day. The hike didn't bring too much except good conversation and rocks. I won't be surprised if I start dreaming about rocks.

Speaking of dreams, I had a dream last night that I was back in school. However, the setting was my elementary school. I was there taking an exam to graduate college. However, I was prepared because I had not studied for it. I think it was because I was hiking instead of studying. While on the trail, I have had a few of these back to school dreams and taking tests that I was not prepared for. I don't know what they mean so feel free to leave a comment if you think you have an idea.

Back to the real world. We did stop at a shelter for a rest and a snack before finishing the day. I visited the privy and was quite surprised to see the trail maintenance crew for the shelter actually stocked it with toilet paper. That can be a blessing out here.

The end of they day brought us down into a town called Wind Gap. The four of us walked down a street to a local motel. Our guide books mentioned the motel as being hiker friendly and providing water. The stretch we hiked today lacks water. Therefore we went the whole day based on what we had packed out from Palmerton this morning. We got some water and ate dinner in the parking lot. We inquired about a room to catch the Celtics v Lakers. However, none of us really care about NBA so we decided to hike back into the woods.

We walked just a quarter or so mile in and set up camp. Finding a camping spot in this area is more difficult than most. Our guides lack saying where campsites are in this area. Plus, it is really rocky which can make it difficult to set up a sent. We did find something suitable even though there are no camping signs posted and the hwy is just through the trees. I tell myself the signs are for the locals and that thru hikers are exempt. We respect the trail, right?

DS and the others did not make it this far. As of this morning they were talking about either hike 16 to the shelter or making it to town to catch the game.

Before bed was tick check time. I found 6 on me earlier today. This area is tick central. I don't need Lyme's Disease. Some people are even on medicines for bites they have gotten. Wrapping up for the evening, my feet hurt. I am not sure if it is the rocks, my new shoes, or both. The shoes seem to be causing some sore spots though. I am going to give them a few more days, hopefully with less rocks. I hate to have to get something else, but I might have to.

Tonight I go to bed 27. Tomorrow I wake up 28. I'm getting old.

Night, friends.