AT 96 - 30th June [918.2]

Camping just above Wind Gap. 

Great start to the day, a steep rocky climb out of Lehigh River Valley. I had to put my walking poles away and use hand to pull myself up. It was wonderful and difficult, every day throws something new at you. Once on top of the ridge it was the normal ballet dance and land mines. Pennsylvania has another secret anti-hiker device. I call it the claymore mine, it’s when you stand on a store and slip sideways there seems to always be another stone that is there to stick in the side of your foot. This mine is even more painful than the land mine. I hit a few today and one even ripped the side of my shoe. Because of the exertion of the climb in the morning the afternoon was hard work. The stretch I’m on has no easy water for 20 miles so I dropped into Blue Mountain Ski Resort to fill up everything I had. Carrying and extra 2 litres is an extra 4.5 lbs which becomes heavier after 15 miles, or so it seems. I did treat myself to early lunch at 11:30. Burger and blueberry crumble and 2 Guinness. I burn 5600 calories a day and it’s hard to put that back in with the limited trail food. I eat real food whenever I can. 

Couldn’t resist the desert. 

 

AT - 95 29th June [938.4]

 George W Outerbridge Shelter

Wonderful day. It’s said that this section is the hardest part of Pennsylvania. I absolutely loved it. It contains the knifes edge which is exactly what it says. One slip to the left and you weren’t coming back, one slip to the right and you might get out of hospital after a month or so. You either have to commit to you skill and training or you submit to your fear. If you fear it was truly terrifying. I loved the rush and possible disaster. Some don’t like the rocks but I actually love them. 

Thought for the day. 

I thought of this verse as I jumped from rock to rock. 

Psalm 18:33

He made my feet like the feet of a deer

and set me secure on the heights.

Snake

Bear checking mail

Part of knifes edge

So fun

Rocks and more rocks

Ballet dancing. 

AT 94 - 28th June [951.8]

 The Shanty at Blue Mountain B&B

Walked 10 miles to get to road where Lyn collected me for her B&B. Super nice place. She took me to the general store (serving people since 1896), it certainly was an experience but food was top notch, served in their own branded bags. All washing done and showered and feeling human again. We are in the sticks so have to order Italian takeaway tonight. 

Amazing balanced rocks today. Tonnes weight but you can lift it because it’s so well balanced. See video. 

AT 93 - 27th June [962.6]

Single tent spot after Eckville Shelter. 

Plans changed last night, I decided to do extra miles today so I can get to The Shanty Farmhouse early tomorrow. So did 24.6 leaving 10.8 tomorrow. Three fairly steep climbs and then land mine avoiding and ballet dancing. There was thunder everywhere but I only got lightly showered!!! My phone died so I missed the turn for Eckville Shelter and walked on a mile. Once I started heading uphill I knew it was wrong. Found a camping spot and setup tent. I read the reviews for the shelter and I’m glad I’m camping!!! All my clothes are stinky since everything is damp it wet. Glad of a real bed tomorrow and a shower and washing clothes. I need to workout what my next few days plan is but I’ll wait till I feel human again. 

Thought for the day

I crossed a river the other day and two trees were on either bank. Both had their roots actually in the water. One had the water flowing under its tree trunk. I thought of this verse. 

Jeremiah 17:7-8

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,

whose trust is the LORD. 

He is like a tree planted by water,

that sends out its roots by the stream,

and does not fear when heat comes,

for its leaves remain green,

and is not anxious in the year of drought,

for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

The days of heat come to us all, but where is our trust ? 

The times of drought comes to us all at some point, but where is our trust ?

Is your life fruitful, where is your trust ?

Are your leaves a bit brown and withered, where is your trust ?

 

AT 92 - 26th June (1211.3) or [987.1] to go

Eagles Nest Shelter

Today the rocks started to get bad. Pennsylvania is known for its rocks. 

Hikers have nicknamed it:-

Rocks-lvania 

Painful-lvania

Pencil-sharp-rocks-lvania

I-hate-this-lvania

Ouch-lvania

Maybe I made some of these up. 

I take 36,000 steps a day and today everyone needed to be placed carefully. It’s more ballet dancing than walking. When you finish for the day your feet and ankles hurt. 

There are loads of three sided pyramids which I call anti-hiker land mines. If you step on them you feel like they are going through your foot and coming out your laces. I do have anti land mines insoles I made of Perspex covered in duck tape, but I haven’t needed them yet. Also every rock you stand on needs to be judged perfectly, you try the middle so it doesn’t tip over. Even the big ones move. I think the bolder hopping we did in youth club days has helped me. 

Thunderstorm after we arrived at shelter. 

I’ll only be including the countdown miles to Katahdin for rest of the blogs. 

Anti-hiker land mine. 

Ouch

Can you see deer and fawn ?

AT 91 - 25th June (1196.4)

501 Shelter

 Thanks for all your lovely notes, I truly feel loved. 

Good lesson learnt today, carry enough water. I’ve been reducing the amount because you can refill alone the way. It helps keep the weight down. But today I forgot to fill up before going up to the ridge where there is very little water. I had one mouthful per hour for the last 2 hours. When you run low all you can think about is water!!!! The effect of not having water surprised me. First I missed the correct path and was heading down hill, until I realised I should not be heading down. I retraced and there was a fork and the AT went right but I went left. Second your muscle cramp a bit more than normal. Third you get a headache. I finally got to water and took a long drink, I then got light headed and nearly fell over. Lesson learnt!!!

It was an easy day and got to 501 Shelter. There is a shower, well a garden hose in an outdoor cubicle. Bunk beds but rain is coming so indoor is good. It rained today and thunder and got soaked(again). Two trail magic today. Donuts and bars then drinks and bars. So good. 

We ordered pizza because they deliver to a nearby carpark. Yum. 

I’m at mile 1196.4 which means I have 1000 to go!!!

AT 90 - 24th June (1178.7)

Trail magic

Swim #19

 Lovely day with breakfast trail magic. I had swim #19 at trail magic even though it was only early and I wasn’t really hot. It was not raining but misty. In the afternoon it got really muggy. Got to shelter early, 3:30. Water right on site which is great so no long walk to get water. The walk was mostly on ridge so easy enough. No major rocks yet but I know they are coming. 

Couldn’t shake the feeling of loneliness today. I miss my family, my church family, my friends and even my work and workmates. I’m not alone out here but it’s not the same. I have made some really good friends but they have got off trail or I’m walking at a different speed. Also the conversation is a little the same, where are you from, why are you doing the AT etc. I miss the hugs and chat of friends. Yes I do hug here but not everyone!!! 

Thought for the day. 

You are never alone. 

Hebrews 13:5-6

[5] Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” [6] So we can confidently say, 

    “The Lord is my helper;

        I will not fear;

    what can man do to me?”

AT 89 - 23rd June (1160.9)

Peter Mountain Shelter

Forced myself to sleep in because it is going to be a short day. Went across the road for breakfast and ate as much as I could. Packed and headed out at 10. Crossed the Juniata river, seemingly the biggest non navigable river in USA. It’s really wide but not deep. One climb and then along a ridge to Peter Mountain Shelter. Lots of people here but shelter is big enough. 

Thought for the day. 

As I walked out of town I was thinking how rundown it was. But some houses made an effort to have nice flowers which brightened things up. 

In one beautiful garden there was this verse on a decorated board. 

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

That encourage me as I left a soft bed for the floor of a shelter. Also it was raining so not an easy walk. I think the verse is talking about spiritual working for Christ but it can be both. 

No views today

I didn’t know snakes climb trees!!!