Thursday, July 4, 2025. Up at 6:30. Cool clear day.
It got down to 61 degrees las night. The new blanket I am using worked perfect for this weather. I got packed up very quickly and walked over to the shelter to say goodbye to the crew from last night. On trail at 7:00.
Got to Cafe 101 in Boiling Springs at 8:30. Good 4 mile hike to wrap up the week. Juice and Die Hard joined us for breakfast and I treated them to a trail magic breakfast. Exchanged contact into with Juice. He and Die Hard are planning on the PCT next year and I need a partner. This could work great. Also saw Good News and Viking at the cafe and wished them Happy Trails.
Janine arrived and joined us for breakfast before driving me and Ed home to Poolesville starting about 10:00. Janine is spending the holiday weekend with us. Yey!
Overall, a great hike. I felt good-to-great including the 15 mile days and even did some 3 mile per hour sections.
Thursday, July 3, 2025. Up at 7:00. Weather looks great…76 degrees when we left the hostel.
Packed up, ate breakfast, and headed out at 7:45.
Made great time getting to Green mountain store at 10:45 and 9 miles. Just under 3 miles per hour! Got drinks and breakfast sandwiches and hung out for an hour. Had nice chats with 3 locals about hiking and the weather and such. Always love stopping here.
Breakfast at Green Mountain Store, Pennsylvania
Back on trail at 11:50.
Fun rock scramble at Rocky Ridge. Ran into Good News, Juice, and Die Hard while taking a break on the summit. Love these rock mazes / scrambles.
Ed on Rocky Ridge near Boiling Springs, PennsylvaniaChuck on Rocky Ridge near Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania
Arrived at Alec Kennedy shelter and set up tents by 4:00. Still making great time on a 15 mile day! Tough tent pitch as all the spots are rocky, but the shelter is going to be crowded. Did get the tent pitched well and this is the first time I’ve pitched this new Durston x-mid for real.
We met a group of 6ish folks at Pine Grove last night and hiked around them all day today. We all stayed at Alec Kennedy shelter: Juice, Die Hard, Viking, Good News. Juice and his wife Juice are about my age. He is retired Navy and had some good stories. Good News and Viking are in their mid-twenties.
Group photo at Alec Kennedy Shelter, PennsylvaniaGroup photo at Alec Kennedy Shelter, Pennsylvania
We hung out, had dinner, and talked for several hours. Got some great input on hiking the AZT. Just really good conversation and camaraderie this evening. Makes me want to thru-hike again.
Headed for the tent and some reading at 8:00. We need to be up and out at 7:00 tomorrow morning at the latest.
Day 4 Map – Pine Grove Furnace to Alec Kennedy Shelter, Pennsylvania
Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Up at 7:45. Clear and warm. Nice looking day.
Nothing dried let night. Hiking in my camp clothes today. Will find a sunny place to dry wet clothes at some point today.
We have an easy 10 miles today to Pine Grove Furnace where we can get real food. We plan to stay at the hostel which MAY have laundry. I stayed there before.
Filtered water after, packed up and on trail at 9:00.
We and an annoying scary moment when tow big dogs came around a bend and ran at us barking. Their owner had them off leash on trail. Startled the hell out of Ed who was in the lead. One of the dogs did not listen to the owner. Annoying.
Stopped at Tom’s Run shelter at 11:30 and 6 miles for water, lunch and to dry out clothes. Nice hike so far, humidity is way down and the temps are in low 80s with clear skies. Easy 4 miles downhill to our destination at Pine Grove Furnace.
Drying gear at Tom’s Run Shelter, PennsylvaniaDrying gear at Tom’s Run Shelter, Pennsylvania
Mountain biker stopped by on a cross trail and we chatted for a bit. He thinks it’s hot and humid….wimp!
Clothes dry and back on trail at 12:20.
We arrived at Pine Grove Furnace at 2:00. Got checked in and unpacked.
Chuck on the porch at Pine Grove Furnace Hostel, Pennsylvania
Met NOBO thru-hiker Good News. She is sharing the bunk room with us. Got showered and generally cleaned up. This place is as I remembered it…old, run down, dirty, but provides all the basics that is nasty hiker trash need.
Had early dinner at the Pine Grove Furnace store. Their Hiker Burger is monstrous and awesome!! Chilled after that, dried out clothes from today, planned route for tomorrow, semi packed for tomorrow.
We have 15 miles tomorrow and the last 4 are a bit tough. We have a great general store to stop at around mile 8.6 for cold beverages and lunch tomorrow as well.
Lots of thru-hikers here tonight. Probably 12. They all came in after us.
And back to the store for a buffalo chicken wrap for dinner. Yum.
Ed and i hung out in the lounge and read till about 8:00. I went to the bunk room and read in bed till 10:00 or so.
Day 3 Map – Birch Run to Pine Grove Furnace, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Up at 7:015. Cloudy with high chance of rain.
Had a hell of a thunderstorm about 9:45 pm last night. Thunder was shaking the shelter.
On trail at 8:20.
Arrived at Caledonia state park for water, snack, and toilets at 10:00. Took a 30 minute break. Not as hot today but very humid.
Ed at Caledonia State Park, Pennsylvania
Received amazing trail magic from a couple who drove in from the Midwest solely for that purpose. We chatted with them for 45 minutes while enjoying bratwurst and sodas. People like this make the AT experience really special.
Trail magic at Caledonia State Park, Pennsylvania
Got to Quarry Gap at 12:20. Nicest shelter on the AT. Only rested for 15 minutes sine we spent so much time with the trail magic folks.
Ed at Quarry Gap Shelter, PennsylvaniaChuck on the swing at Quarry Gap Shelter, Pennsylvania
Stopped at Milesburn cabin at 3:30 and 10.8 miles to filter water and wait out a storm. Nice primitive cabin owned by PATC and rented to members and guests.
Reached the Birch Run shelter at about 4:50. No cell service. Looks like we have it to ourselves. Rained hard the last 5 minutes to the shelter and continued to rain for quite some time. On the plus side, the rain cooled things off a lot and sucked the humidity out of the air. Almost chilly now.
Birch Run Shelter, Pennsylvania
Glad I decided to bring a pack towel. With the rain today we really needed to dry off once we got to camp. Also, the silk liner is working great. Put my sleeping pad inside of it, instead of me in it. Perfect in this humidity. Really helps with sleeping.
In bed at 7:00.
Day 2 Map – Rocky Run Shelter to Birch Run Shelter, Pennsylvania
Dana dropped us at Pen Mar park at 8:45. Got geared up and on trail at 9:02.
Quick stop at the Mason Dixon line.
Chuck at the Mason Dixon lineMason Dixon line headed north
Stopped at Deer Lick Shelters at 11:15 and 4.8 miles in for a snack.
Deer Lick Shelters, Pennsylvania
Very sticky, but overcast is helping. We have only seen 2 other hikers so far. Will be curious to see how crowded the shelters are. We should be about 2-3 weeks behind the bubble.
Got moving again at 11:43
Filled up on water at Old Forge park. Stopped for lunch break at tumbling run shelter at 1:15 and 8.24 miles. Chatted with a thru hiker who is staying here tonight.
Tumbling Run Shelter rear view
Filtered water and back on trail at 2:00.
Stopped at Chimney Rocks after a hard climb.
Ed at Chimney Rocks, PennsylvaniaChuck Stump at Chimney Rocks on the AT ln Pennsylvania
Took a quick break at 5:05. Thunder rumbling.
Ed and Chuck near Rocky Mountain Shelter on the AT in Pennsylvania
Arrived at Rocky Mountain Shelters at 6:15. Good looking double shelter with beat box and picnic table. Long .3 miles downhill from AT to shelter. Water is .4 miles further down, so we carried in extra and hopefully can make it to the next water tomorrow morning.
Ed at at Rocky Mountain Shelter, PennsylvaniaDrying gear at Rocky Mountain Shelter, Pennsylvania
Ate a good dinner at 7:30. No issues with not being hungry this time. Got things put away for the night about 8:00 and went into the shelter to read at 8:30.
Forecast calls for thunder storms tonight, but it called for them all day too.
Back and shoulders are hurting. Now I remember why I stopped using this pack after 1100 miles last year. Will see how the next 5 days go.
Overall a good hard day. Have not done 15 miles since I got off the AT last fall. Would not have enjoyed going any further, but we made it.
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 GapClockwise: 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 NJPA/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 PondSunfish PondSunfish 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.
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 CenterMohican 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
“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.
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 GapAccommodations in Delaware Water GapAccommodations 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.
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 MotelGateway 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
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 PalmertonNice 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 youDifficult ascent up Blue MountainDifficult ascent up Blue Mountain
We made it to the top in one piece…barely.
Orange Man and Mosey at the top of Blue MountainOrange Man and Mosey at the top of Blue MountainAmazing view on Blue Mountain
After some more vertical climbs, we stopped for a well-deserved break.
Orange Man, Mosey, and Overkill resting after Blue MountainOverkill 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)
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 scrambleOverkill 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
