Category: AT Thru-Hike 2024

  • Day 109 – Mohican Outdoor Center to Gren Anderson Shelter

    Day 109 – Mohican Outdoor Center to Gren Anderson Shelter

    Today’s Miles:20.6

    Trip Miles: 1336.7

    “Now Amos Moses was a Cajun.

    He lived by himself in the swamp.

    He hunted alligators for livin’.

    He just knocked ’em in the head with a stump.

    The Louisiana law is gonna get you, Amos!

    It ain’t legal huntin’ alligators down in the swamp, boy!” – Jerry Reed

    Up at 6:30. All packed and ready to go at 6:50. Breakfast starts at 7:00. Nice breakfast. On the trail at 7:50.

    Overcast, humid, mid-80s, chance of rain on and off all day.

    We have 20.6 miles to go to teach Gren Anderson Shelter this evening. Hoping to be there by 7:30, but that depends on  how rocky this part of NJ is.

    Stopped at an ACTIVE fire tower at 8:50.

    Active fire tower in NJ

    Beaver pond and two beaver lodges.

    Beaver lodges
    Beaver pond
    Beavers have been hard at work

    Climb up to the ridge we will follow most of the next 4 hours.

    NJ… nuff said

    Cute little guy all alone on the trail.

    Cute little guy

    Stopped for lunch at 11:30 by a spring. Back on the trail at 12:10.

    Tried to get water at 2:30, but the water was stagnant and nasty. Will push on another 2.5 miles to the next shelter which may have water.

    Stopped at Brink Road Shelter at 4:00 for water. Had to scoop from a weak stream. We have 3.8 miles to Culver’s Gap where we can have dinner at a tavern before continuing on another 3.2 miles to our final destination.

    We got to the Mountain House Tavern in Branchville, NJ at 6:10.  Very nice place! Ordered a burger with egg and bacon and pastrami! Boom!

    Mountain House Tavern in Branchville, NJ

    Back on trail at 7:15. We are road walking to a trail that connects to the shelter. It’s more direct, less steep, and not rocky. It’s an experiment/adventure. It’s a small country road, but we should be okay. Call it 2.2 miles. 

    Got to shelter at 8:30. The extended tramily is here. So is a group of 15 middle schoolers and 3 camp counselors. It rained a bit and drizzled on and off, so we stayed in the shelter. It’s very humid with no wind. Yuck. In bed at 9:30. 

    Day 109 Map – Mohican Outdoor Center to Gren Anderson Shelter

    Technical Notes:

    • Toast 170
    • Sausage patty 280
    • Two eggs 235
    • Home fries 200
    • OJ 150
    • Skittles 100
    • Turkey stocks 180
    • Peanut butter crackers 200
    • Zero sugar sausage 120
    • Cookie 60
    • Skittles 50
    • Cookies 240
    • Seltzer 100
    • Hamburger 1000
    • Fries 500
    • Pizza x2 500
    • Water liters 5
    • Miles 20.6
    • Time 13
    • Elevation gain 3000
    • Calories consumed 4000
    • Calories burned 7500
  • Day 108 – Delaware Water Gap to Mohican Outdoor Center 

    Day 108 – Delaware Water Gap to Mohican Outdoor Center 

    Today’s Miles: 10.6

    Trip Miles: 1316.1

    “And my tires were slashed and I almost crashed, 

    but the Lord had mercy.

    And my machine, she’s a dud, out stuck in the mud somewhere in the swamps of Jersey.

    Well, hold on tight, stay up all night, ’cause Rosie, I’m comin’ on strong” – Bruce Springsteen 

    Up at 8:00. Got 10 hours of sleep. I feel great today.

    Walked to the Village Farmer Bakery for a nice breakfast and coffee. What an amazing place! They have all kinds of fresh fruit, confections, and baked goods. I’m going to pick up some cookies or something similar to go.

    Village Farmer Bakery in Delaware Water Gap
    Clockwise: Overkill, Polar, Glass, 23, Newt.

    Clockwise: Overkill, Polar, Glass, 23, Newt.

    Short 10.6-mile hike to Mohican Outdoor Center in NJ today. We need a Nero, and Overkill has a resupply box there, so we will just stay there. The extended family is likely going there as well. I called Mohican, and they have lots of bunks. Their hot food stops at 5:30, and the store closed at 6:00. Our goal is to leave here at 11:00 and to get there about 5:00 today. Chill day.

    We got on the trail at 11:15. My bad. Hiked along the interstate and over the bridge into NJ. Overkill flipped off PA as we walked into NJ. Good riddance, PA.

    Hiking the interstate and over the bridge into NJ
    PA/NJ line in the middle of the bridge

    At 12:30, we crossed the 1300-mile mark. Not as big a deal as crossing into NJ.

    1300 mile marker

    Reached Sunfish Pond at 1:50. Very pretty. We hiked around it for about an hour.

    Sunfish Pond
    Sunfish Pond
    Sunfish Pond

    Stopped for water at 2:00 and 5.7 miles.  We have 5.1 miles to go. That should get us there about 5:00. Back on the trail at 2:35.

    Got a nice 360-degree view from the foundation of an old fire tower overlooking NJ.

    360-degree view overlooking NJ.

    YouTube Video of 360-degree NJ view.

    I ran into a NJ bear at 8.8 miles in for today. Youngster between 1 and 2. He had his head in some plants rooting around. He did not see me until I tried to get my phone out to take a pic. Then he looked at me and ran off into the woods. My first bear since near Glasgow, VA.

    Got to Mohican Outdoor Center at 5:05. Grill closed at 5:00:( But cold sandwiches were good. The extended family was here. They are leaving in a bit and going 3 more miles to tent. We will see them tomorrow night. We ate, got checked in for our bunks, and bought snacks for tonight as the store/office closed at 6:00. 

    Bunk house is very large and very nice. There are only 4 of us in here so far tonight. This place could sleep 20. It’s very expensive at $50 for a bunk. No linens or towels provided. You have to pay an extra $10 each for those! The AMC has good facilities but they take hikers on price. I’ll complain more about them later in New England. 

    I showered and washed my hiking shirt in the shower. It really needed it. Thank  goodness I started carrying a light camp towel when we got to MD. There are state and local campgrounds with free shower facilities in the north as well as outdoor centers like this that have facilities but no towels. I’m using multiple box fans to dry my clothes and towel in multiple rooms. Hiker trash style.

    Mohican Outdoor Center
    Mohican Outdoor Center

    Updated blogs (offline , no internet service) and planned for tomorrow. Clothes are mostly dry. Got food and pack ready for the morning. Breakfast available starting at 7:00. We plan to be there at 7 then get on trail by 7:45 ish. We have 20 miles tomorrow. Not sure what the terrain will be like. I think this is my first 20 with the new pack. 

    Hung out and snacked and read till 11:00. 

    Day 108 Map – Delaware Water Gap to Mohican Outdoor Center

    Technical Notes:

    • OJ 140
    • Bacon egg sandwich 650
    • Chocolate éclair 500
    • Cheese crackers 180
    • Zero sugar sausage 120
    • Trail mix 250
    • Dr Pepper 240
    • Ham and cheese sandwich 500
    • Chocolate chip ice cream sandwich: 400
    • Dr Pepper: 240
    • Hershey bar: 210
    • Reese’s: 210
    • Pringles: 500
    • Doritos: 260
    • Water liters: 2.4
    • Miles: 10.6
    • Time: 5:45
    • Elevation gain: 1764
    • Calories consumed: 4460
    • Calories burned: 5000
  • Day 107 – Wind Gap PA to Delaware Water Gap

    Day 107 – Wind Gap PA to Delaware Water Gap

    Today’s Miles: 15.5

    Trip Miles: 1305.5

    “Now it all started two Thanksgivings ago. I was on – two years ago on

    Thanksgiving, when my friend and I went up to visit Alice at the

    restaurant, but Alice doesn’t live in the restaurant. She lives in the

    church nearby the restaurant, in the bell tower, with her husband Ray and

    Fasha the dog. And living in the bell tower like that, they got a lot of

    room downstairs where the pews used to be in.” – Arlo Guthrie 

    Up at 6:50. Packed up, had leftover pizza for breakfast, and headed out at 8:15. Mosey used my bathroom at 7:00 before she got on the trail. We should catch her later today before she flips to Maine. 

    Overcast, breezy, low 80s, rain after 4:00.

    We have 15.5 miles to Delaware Water Gap. Hope to get in by 5:00. There MIGHT be a hostel in town based on some chatter. Otherwise, the local church offers shelter in their basement. Hoping for a hostel.

    Wind Gap signage

    YouTube Video of walking in rocks.

    Stopped at Wolf Rocks for lunch at 11:50. Just 8.7 more miles to go today. Back on the trail at 12:40.

    Chuck at Wolf Rocks, PA

    Some kind soul left a water cache at PA 191. We both took about .7 liters. 

    Stopped at Kirkridge Shelter at 1:50 to use the privy. 6.4 more miles to go. Back on the trail at 2:15. Hope to be to the church by 6:00 at the latest.

    View down to the Delaware River and a large power plant.

    Delaware River and a large power plant

    We got to Delaware Water Gap at 5:45. Cute little tourist town, but most things are closed today as it’s Monday.

    Delaware Water Gap

    Got to The Church of the Mountain Appalachian Trail Hikers Center at 5:45.  We are staying in the walkout basement of the church. Not bad for a donation-based hiker hostel. One shower, one bathroom, about 10 bunks. The extended family is here as well as Tortilla.

    Accommodations in Delaware Water Gap
    Accommodations in Delaware Water Gap
    Accommodations in Delaware Water Gap

    Got unpacked, showered, and went out for dinner about 6:45.

    Dinner at the Sycamore Grille was nice. Love their sign.

    Dinner at the Sycamore Grille

    Walked to the gas station for soda and snacks then back to the church. Chatted with the gang for a bit then in bed by 10:00.

    We have realized that we have 900 miles left! 

    Day 107 Map – Wind Gap PA to Delaware Water Gap

    Technical Notes:

    • Pizza 1125
    • Diet Coke 0
    • Trail Mix 350
    • Pop-Tarts 370
    • Turkey sticks 180
    • Skittles 200
    • Root Beer 260
    • Cider 500
    • Dinner 3000
    • Water liters 3.9
    • Miles 15.5
    • Time 9:30
    • Elevation gain 1624
    • Calories consumed 6500
    • Calories burned 6500

  • Day 106 – Blue Mountain drive (1266.4) to Wind Gap

    Day 106 – Blue Mountain drive (1266.4) to Wind Gap

    Today’s Miles: 13.7

    Trip Miles: 1290

    “I know it’s fucked up, but I’m living a lie.

    In the cheap hotel, it’s where I’m sleeping tonight.

    With someone I just met while the love of my life

    Is at home, probably wondering if I’m dead or alive” – Leon Else

    Up at 6:30. Said goodbye to Dana. Will not see her again until I summit Katahdin. J picked us up and drove us to the trail at 7:15. On the trail at 8:00.

    Clear, mid-80s, low humidity.

    We have an easy 15.5 miles today to Wind Gap, PA.

    Lamp fell and cracked his head at 9:00. We were resting about 200 feet north and heard him fall and yell. Ran back through the rocks to see what happened while still wearing our packs. Don’t recommend that. He had a nasty cut and bump on his head. Lots of blood, but it stopped fairly quickly after we cleaned him up. He seemed okay and continued on northbound. 

    Stopped for a second breakfast at 10:00 at 3.9 miles for the day. Back on the trail at 10:30.

    Stopped at noon at Smith Gap Road for food. There is a large 15-gallon water cache here thanks to Water Woman. We also ran into Mosey and Lamp. Mosey is moseying down the trail, and we will catch her in a few hours. Lamp is headed to town with some friends. He looks no worse for wear from his fall earlier today. I updated my blog, and Overkill took a nap. 

    Back on the trail at 1:00. 3.5 miles to our next stop at a shelter and 8.3 total miles to go to Wind Gap and a hotel tonight. Might tent on their lawn for $5. Same plan for Mosey. Should be done by 6:30 – 7:00 today. 

    Stopped at Leroy A. Smith Shelter for a break at 2:40. Small, older shelter a bit off the trail. We also ran into the Ridge Runner and chatted. He told us there is ZERO water for 15.5 miles tomorrow, ugh!

    Headed out at 3:40. 4.5 miles to go to Wind Gap and the Gateway Motel.

    Arrived at Gateway Motel at 6:10. I got a room, and Overkill is tenting. I’m sharing my bathroom with her and Mosey, who is also tenting. The extended family and Mosey were here when we arrived: Newt, Glass, 23, Polar. They Ubered into town. I ordered pizza and coke from Domino’s. Overkill is eating from her very large resupply. We will plan our next week later today.

    Interesting motel. It would turn off most normal people, but after some of the places I have stayed, it’s luxurious. WiFi, mostly clean, clean bathroom, functional window AC, refrigerator, electricity, all the comforts of home for $65 plus tax. Owner is a very nice old guy. Had a decent resupply setup in the motel office, including fuel canisters. Quite surprising!

    Gateway Motel
    Gateway Motel room

    No cups in the room, so I had to get creative. Pocket knife plus used coke bottle (mine, so I know it’s safe) equals a drinking vessel. Plus, cardboard pizza box lid for plates and TP for napkins. Just how I planned my retirement:)

    Improvised drinking cup

    Planned through Fort Montgomery, NY, where we will cross the Hudson River on 08/07. Water is still a challenge, and making camp planning is annoying. 

    We have 15.5 miles tomorrow with NO water sources. We will likely stay in a church basement in Delaware Water Gap tomorrow, then push on to Mohican Outdoor Center for resupply the following night.

    Posted some blogs and in bed at midnight.

    Really looking forward to leaving PA. I know the rocks don’t magically stop at the NJ border, but leaving PA is a big mental leap.

    My new pack is doing well. I still have some tweaking to do on both how to fill the pack as well as how to wear it. My back is much better after a week, but I still have some issues. In addition, my hips need to get used to this very different pack and belt. Overall, I’m much more upbeat on this entire topic than I was two weeks ago.

    Day 106 Map – Blue Mountain drive (1266.4) to Wind Gap

    Technical Notes:

    • Mini donuts 280
    • Mini donuts 280
    • Mini donuts 140
    • Dr Pepper 240
    • Mini donuts 280
    • Mini donuts 280
    • Zero sugar sausage 120
    • Skittles 75
    • Zero sugar sausage 120
    • Ritz crackers with peanut butter 200
    • Skittles 75
    • Chips Ahoy 120
    • Zero sugar sausage 120
    • Chips Ahoy 120
    • Chips Ahoy 120
    • Skittles 50
    • Coke 200
    • Pizza 1875
    • Diet Coke 0
    • Water liters 4
    • Miles 15.5
    • Time 10
    • Elevation gain 1473
    • Calories consumed 4800
    • Calories burned 6500
  • Day 105 – Bake Oven Knob shelter to Blue Mountain drive (1266.4)

    Day 105 – Bake Oven Knob shelter to Blue Mountain drive (1266.4)

    Today’s Miles: 13.7

    Trip Miles: 1274.5

    “Well, we’re living here in Allentown,

    And they’re closing all the factories down,

    Out in Bethlehem, they’re killing time,

    Filling out forms,

    Standing in line” – Billy Joel

    Up at 5:10. On trail at 6:15. 53 degrees this morning. Clear, breezy, low 80s. Great weather. 

    We only have 13.7 miles today to meet Dana with a big climb down and back up at the Lehigh River. Hoping to be done at 3:00.

    Water cache at 7:35 and 2.4 miles. We were banking on this! The trail angle, Mary Poppins, who maintains this, is a lifesaver. Started the hike today with only .7 liters. 

    PA trail magic

    Back on trail at 8:00.

    This descent and ascent will be the highlight of the day. 

    Big descent and big nasty ascent

    Nice views down on Palmerton. You can see the old steel works. Very near Allentown and Bethlehem, PA.

    Nice views down on Palmerton
    Nice views down on Palmerton

    Stopped at George W. Outerbridge Shelter at 10:30 for a break and to fill up on water. It’s an old shelter in so-so shape. We have 6 miles to go. 

    Mosey showed up as we were getting ready to leave. This may be the last time we will see her as she is flipping to Maine from Delaware Water Gap. We might catch up to her again before that, but the Water Gap is only 2 short days away.

    We descended to the Lehigh River and crossed via a road walk.

    Crossing the Lehigh River

    The ascent up Blue Mountain was one hell of a rock scramble. Any steeper and I would need pitons and some clothesline! Love it when you can reach out and touch the trail right in front of you. Yes, it’s that steep.

    Vertical – reach out and touch the trail right in front of you
    Difficult ascent up Blue Mountain
    Difficult ascent up Blue Mountain

    We made it to the top in one piece…barely.

    Orange Man and Mosey at the top of Blue Mountain
    Orange Man and Mosey at the top of Blue Mountain
    Amazing view on Blue Mountain

    YouTube video of ascent

    YouTube video from summit

    After some more vertical climbs, we stopped for a well-deserved break.

    Orange Man, Mosey, and Overkill resting after Blue Mountain
    Overkill and Mosey resting at the summit

    Got to Blue Mountain Drive about 3:45. Dana brought 3 gallons of water that we labeled and left for Mosey. She is camping about 3 miles further but no water for another 10 miles or more. 

    Went to resupply at Walmart then checked in at Motel 6. Got showered and met J and Dave for dinner. Back to hotel about 9:00. Got my food packed up for the next several days. J is picking us up at 7:15, so I got as much ready for tomorrow as possible. Dana and I watched the Olympics until 11:00.

    Day 105 Map – Bake Oven Knob shelter to Blue Mountain drive (1266.4)

    Technical Notes:

    • Pop-Tarts 370
    • Pop-Tarts 370
    • Chips Ahoy 120
    • Chips Ahoy 240
    • Skittles 100
    • Turkey sticks 240
    • Trail mix 100
    • Trail mix 270
    • Beef Bites 300
    • Chips Ahoy 360
    • Dr. Pepper 240
    • Peanut butter crackers 220
    • Mini donuts 120
    • Dinner 3500
    • Drinks 1000
    • Water liters 2.7
    • Miles 13.7
    • Time 10
    • Elevation gain 2008
    • Calories consumed 7000
    • Calories burned 6000
  • Day 104 – Eckville Shelter to Bake Oven Knob shelter 

    Day 104 – Eckville Shelter to Bake Oven Knob shelter 

    Today’s Miles: 17.4

    Trip Miles: 1260.8

    “These boots are made for walkin’

    And that’s just what they’ll do

    One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you” – Nancy Sinatra

    Up at 6:15. On trail at 7:15. 17.6 miles to go to Bake Oven Knob shelter. No water until mile 11.7.

    Weather is perfect today. Breezy, low humidity, low 80s.

    Loving the new shoes! Up yours, Pennsylvania.

    New shoes at Eckville

    Reached Dan’s Pulpit at 9:00. Nice views over farmlands. Back on trail at 9:25.

    View from Dan’s Pulpit

    Damn rocks!

    Damn rocks!

    Stopped at Allentown Hiking Club Shelter at 11:50 and 7.4 miles for the day. Had a heavy snack. Back on trail at 12:45.

    Starting to plan for New England. Thinking about what cold weather gear I’ll need starting in late August. I can easily run into cold weather including snow in the White Mountains in August.

    Stopped at The Lockout Hostel at 2:40. Mosey was there as well. Nice place with large resupply options. Got a coke and a frozen pizza. Eating now as we may not have water to cook with tonight. Still 5.2 miles to the shelter for tonight. I’m fine with a late lunch or early dinner.

    The Lockout Hostel

    Crossed Knifes Edge at 5:50. Challenging rock scramble. 

    Knifes Edge rock scramble
    Overkill on Knifes Edge rock scramble

    Had the most dangerous rock scramble so far on trail just a mile before camp. I know there are worse in New Hampshire, but WTF, Pennsylvania?

    Ran into Mosey on that last rock mess. Mosey hiked with us for the remainder of the day. 

    Got to Bake Oven Knob shelter at 7:45. Crappy old small shelter. No privy, no food storage, overgrown weeds around shelter. Used one cup of water to cook some ramen. That leaves me 1 liter for breakfast and the first 4 miles tomorrow. In bed at 9:00

    Bake Oven Knob shelter
    Day 104 Map – Eckville Shelter to Bake Oven Knob shelter

    Technical Notes:

    • Pop-Tarts 370
    • Chips Ahoy 120
    • Beef Bites 300
    • Trail
    • Mix 300
    • Skittles 75
    • Turkey Sticks 240
    • Chips Ahoy 120
    • Chips Ahoy 120
    • Chips Ahoy 120
    • Skittles 75
    • Coke 140
    • Snickers 250
    • Frozen Pizza 1300
    • Coke 140
    • Dehydrated Beef 220
    • Ramen 370
    • Fritos 400
    • Water liters 6
    • Miles 17.4
    • Time 12
    • Elevation gain 2320
    • Calories consumed 4660
    • Calories burned 6750
  • Day 103 – Port Clinton to Eckville Shelter

    Day 103 – Port Clinton to Eckville Shelter

    Today’s Miles: 15.1

    Trip Miles: 1243.4

    “I’ve got sunshine, on a cloudy day

    When it’s cold outside, I’ve got the month of May (ooh)

    I guess you’d say

    What can make me feel this way?

    My girl, my girl, my girl

    Talkin’ ’bout my girl, my girl” – The Temptations

    Up at 7:45. Packed , blogged, planned the next 2 days, and headed out at 9:00. We have an easy day. Just 11 miles to Eckville Shelter. Humid and sunny in the upper 80s today.

    Walked under the highway exiting Port Clinton. Seems appropriate given what the town is like. 

    Leaving Port Clinton

    We have a big 2.3-mile ascent out of town first thing today. Should be fairly easy after that.

    Dana is driving up this afternoon to spend tonight and tomorrow night with her friend Janine before picking us up Saturday evening. My shoes are trashed. Dana will drop off new shoes for both of us this evening as well as some supplies. Awesome! PA is killing our feet. 

    Stopped at 11:30 and 3.1 miles for a break.

    Stopped at Furnace Creek at 1:00 for water. Only 965.7 miles to go !!!

    Furnance Creek

    Saw a water snake. He was FAST in the  water. Back on trail at 1:40.

    Only water snake of the entire trip

    Took a snack break at 3:00. 2.8 miles to go.

    snacks under a tree canopy

    Arrived at Eckville Shelter at 4:35. Dried out my gear that was still damp from Tuesday’s rain. Unpacked, settled in, and made dinner at 5:30. Dana should be here around 6:30. One other person in shelter so far. 2 bars of cell service. 

    Eckville Shelter

    Dana met us about 6:30 at the shelter. New shoes are great, and the small resupply (cookies, turkey sticks, Fritos) plus cold Dr Pepper is awesome! Thanks, Dana. We will see each other again Saturday evening.

    Mosey showed up around 6:00, and Tortilla showed up around 7:30. We chatted a bit and went to bed at 8:30.

    Day 103 Map – Port Clinton to Eckville Shelter

    Technical Notes:

    • Pop-Tarts 370
    • Beef bites 250
    • Trail mix 200
    • Beef bites 200
    • Skittles 50
    • Fig bar 200
    • Dehydrated chicken 170
    • Ramen 740
    • Dr Pepper 240
    • Dr Pepper 240
    • Water liters 4
    • Miles 15.1
    • Time 9
    • Elevation gain 2185
    • Calories consumed 3000
    • Calories burned 6000
  • Day 102 – Hertline Campsite (1202.3) to Port Clinton 

    Day 102 – Hertline Campsite (1202.3) to Port Clinton 

    Today’s Miles: 18

    Trip Miles: 1228.3

    “Little Jimmy Jackson is jackin’ up his Bronco

    He’s gonna lay a little rubber later on at the truck pull

    And all the girls are getting pretty, sprayin’ on the White Rain

    Yeah, they’re gonna get a rowdy tonight

    Down at the football game, yeah

    We let it rip when we got the money

    Let it roll if we got the gas

    It gets wild, yeah, but that’s the way

    We get down in a Hicktown” – Jason Aldean

    Up at 6:00. Started raining. Packed up and ready to go at 7:00. My tent is wet and a lot of my gear is damp. Ick. 18 miles to go today. Gonna rain on and off all day. Humid and mid-80s. On trail at 7:10.

    Took a break at 8:10 and 2.1 miles. Back on trail at 8:25.

    Break at 10:20. 6.2 miles down. We called the hotel and there are only 3 rooms available tonight and they don’t take reservations. Shared bathroom, not private bath. If we can’t get a room, we will Uber to the next real town tonight for a room.

    PA is seriously rocky. Destroying our feet and shoes!

    Rocksylvania
    Rocksylvania

    Back is hurting a bit again 🙁

    Large prescribed burn. Hiked through it for an hour.

    Large prescribed burn area

    Reached Eagle’s Nest shelter at 12:10. Filled up on water as there is no more water till we reach town in 9 miles. Back on trail at 1:00.

    Eagle’s Nest shelter

    Stopped at 3:30 for a break. We have 3.8 miles to go.

    Tough steep descent into Port Clinton. I almost fell and Overkill did fall. No injuries.

    Overkill descending into Port Clinton

    Got to the Port Clinton hotel at 6:35. Dana called ahead for us and paid for two rooms. Awesome!

    Interesting little town. Calling it a town is being very generous! There is the hotel, which is more like an old-school boarding house, the peanut shop, fire station, post office, good-sized railroad yard, and not much else. The hotel has 2 shared bathrooms for about a dozen bedrooms. It’s basic and functional. The bar and food menu were quite nice. Coin-operated laundry in the basement was decent. 

    Port Clinton
    Port Clinton
    Port Clinton

    Checked in, showered, did laundry, and had a real meal. Dried out my rain fly in the room overnight. We chatted with Tortilla and Mosey for a while at the bar. Chatted with Dana. In bed about 10:00

    Day 102 map – Hertline Campsite (1202.3) to Port Clinton

    Technical Notes:

    • Pop-Tarts 370
    • Chips Ahoy 160
    • Chips Ahoy 160
    • Skittles 100
    • Chips Ahoy 160
    • Chomps beef stick 90
    • Peanut butter crackers 220
    • Beef bites 350
    • Trail mix 270
    • Chips Ahoy 160
    • Chips Ahoy 160
    • Trail mix 200
    • Dinner and drinks 3500
    • Water liters 5
    • Miles 18
    • Time 11
    • Elevation gain 1616
    • Calories consumed 6000
    • Calories burned 7000
  • Day 101 – Swatara Hostel to Hertline Campsite (1202.3)

    Day 101 – Swatara Hostel to Hertline Campsite (1202.3)

    Today’s Miles: 17

    Trip Miles: 1210.3

    “Something happens and I’m head over heels

    I never find out until I’m head over heels

    Something happens and I’m head over heels

    Ah, don’t take my heart, don’t break my heart

    Don’t, don’t, don’t throw it away” – Tears For Fears

    Up at 7:00. Part of my quilt is damp from rain. That’s bad as it all goes in one dry bag and the entire thing will be damp. I’m trying the clothes dryer on air only for 20 minutes or so.

    It’s supposed to be mostly cloudy and low 80s and humid today. Rain the next 2 days. On trail at 8:20.

    We have 17 miles to go today to a tent site. That was a lot of rain last night so it will be slippery on all the rocks. We have a good-sized 2.5-mile climb to start the day. Ed Byrd is meeting us with a small resupply at mile 11.4 around 2:00.

    Bridge crossing at Swatara

    Crossed under I-81.

    Crossing under I-81 yet again

    Took a break at 9:46. It’s humid and overcast today. Rocks are slippery!

    Took a good fall. My head ended up below my feet in the rocks. Got very lucky I did not crack my head. Scared Overkill. And scared myself.

    Damn near cracked my skull open in these rocks

    Arrived at William Penn shelter at 12:35 for a break and to fill up on water. Large 2-story shelter. Back on trail at 1:10.

    William Penn shelter

    Ed met us at 3:00. He brought us cold beverages, water, and a few key resupply items (cookies and beef bites). We hung out with Ed until 4:30. Thanks again, brother!

    Nice view not long after leaving Ed.

    Nice afternoon views of PA

    Nice view at 6:15.

    Nice afternoon views of PA

    We crossed the 1200-mile mark. This means we have LESS than 1000 miles to go!

    1200 mile marker

    Got to campsite at 7:30. Set up camp and made dinner by 8:30. In bed at 9:20.

    Day 101 map – Swatara Hostel to Hertline Campsite (1202.3)

    Technical Notes:

    • Hot pocket 300
    • Pop-Tarts 370
    • Body armor 150
    • Cookies 180
    • Trail mix 170
    • Trail mix 200
    • Turkey sticks 120
    • Trail mix 170
    • PayDay 240
    • Gatorade 190
    • Root beer 150
    • Snickers  250
    • Orange 300
    • Turkey sticks 80
    • Skittles 150
    • Peak Refuel Pork ‘ n Rice 800
    • Pop-Tarts 370
    • Fig bar 200
    • Water liters 5
    • Miles 17
    • Time 11
    • Elevation gain 2505
    • Calories consumed 4500
    • Calories burned 6500
  • Day 100 – Clark’s Valley Road (PA 325) to Swatara Hostel 

    Day 100 – Clark’s Valley Road (PA 325) to Swatara Hostel 

    Today’s Miles: 17.4

    Trip Miles: 1193.3

    “I was a dam builder

    Across the river deep and wide

    Where steel and water did collide

    A place called Boulder on the wild Colorado

    I slipped and fell into the wet concrete below

    They buried me in that great tomb that knows no sound

    But I am still around

    I’ll always be around and around and around and around and around and around” – The Highwaymen 

    Up at 6:00. Out of camp at 7:05. We have 24 miles to go today. It’s going to rain on and off all afternoon and evening.

    Short food break at 8:05. It’s really humid today.:(

    Took a break at 10:30. 4.9 miles to the next shelter and water. Should be there about 1:00.

    Got to Rausch Gap Shelter at 1:10. It started raining lightly about 30 minutes ago. Enough for me to put my umbrella up. Plenty of thunder as well. Good water at the shelter. 

    Carefully made our way across a flooded area due to a beaver dam. Balancing on slippery logs for about 2 football fields.

    Beaver Dam in PA
    Flooded from the beavers

    Crossed I-81 again.

    Crossing I-18 again

    Got to the Stay at Swatara hostel at 5:30. We decided to call the day early. Plus it’s too tempting to stay once we saw the resupply, soda. Pizza, pizza, etc. We are splitting half of a 4-person Coleman tent for $25 per person, which includes laundry and shower. Not bad! It’s going to rain more this evening and tonight.

    Stay at Swatara hostel
    Stay at Swatara hostel

    Did laundry, resupplied, planned out the rest of PA. Talked to Dana for a while. Headed to bed at 10:00. 

    It’s raining again all evening. Yuck.

    Day 100 Map – Clark’s Valley Road (PA 325) to Swatara Hostel

    Technical Notes:

    • Pop-Tarts 370
    • Cookies 120
    • Trail mix 170
    • Turkey stick 220
    • Cookies 120
    • Cookies 120
    • Cookies 120
    • Slim Jim 390
    • Skittles 150
    • Cookies 360
    • Pringles 210
    • Body armor 200
    • Body armor 200
    • Tasty cake 225
    • Frozen pizza 1500
    • Water liters 5
    • Miles 17.4
    • Time 10
    • Elevation gain 2307
    • Calories consumed 4475
    • Calories burned 7000