Make it count: Day #92

Friday, June 12 - Day #92 -AT Hike

Miles Hiked Today - 22.7
Total Miles Hiked on AT - 1248.6/2,193 (56.94%)

Windsor Furnace Shelter (1225.9) to Tentsite (1248.6) - camp

Total ascent - 3,192’
Total descent - 2,562’

Total States Completed - 6/14

**No Rain - really great weather day. Highs in the low 80s. Sunny.

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9:23pm now - laying in my tent at a Campsite about 11 miles from Palmerton. We got into camp pretty late tonight - around 7:30pm. Long, tough day out there. 22.7 miles with 3,192’ vertical ascent - and throw in a few rocks just for fun.

The morning started early - we were on trail at 6am. Unfortunately, Sherpa Mike could barely walk this morning. We were only 0.4 miles from a parking area - so he decided to call a shuttle and will take a couple days off and plan to meet Caruso and I in Palmerton. I feel really bad for Sherpa Mike - he was bummed. You just never know with an ankle - hopefully a couple extra days will lead to a quick recovery for him so he can join us again.

The first 4 miles of the hike today went slow with a long, steady climb. We were lucky enough to have some great views from Pulpit Rock and The Pinnacle - 2 of the best views on the AT in Pennsylvania. We ran into a section hiker - Tupperware - right before The Pinnacle. He thru-hiked the AT back in 2008. We walked with him a couple miles and had a nice conversation.

The better part of the day for me was a tough grind. I just wasn’t feeling it. I dug deep and got it done. The continual twists and turns on all the rocks has made my knee hurt again. I need to keep it slow - and make sure I’m stretching adequately.

We heard a rattlesnake (didn’t see it) - and saw 2 other non poisonous snakes. 2 guys here at camp saw a rattlesnake in the middle of the trail about 1 mile back. Basically - if you’re task were to construct the perfect habitat for snakes - you would just mimic the state of Pennsylvania on the AT. This section of the trail is unbelievably snake infested. I’m about as high strung and jumpy as a person can be right now.

Caruso and I decided mid-day we were going pretty long. The goal was to make it to Thunderhead Lodge for dinner - after 20.4 miles. After a lengthy hike - we made it at 5:15pm. Absolutely the best part of my day was walking into the restaurant! We took a seat outside on a picnic table. We preceded to eat heartily. I had Jambalaya for my main dish and some chicken wings as an appetizer. Outstanding! We had met up with Pine Sticks a couple miles out - so he joined Caruso and I for dinner.

After dinner, we loaded up the packs and walked another couple miles to our current Tentsite. We met a couple section hikers staying here as well. There was just enough time to get my tent setup before darkness set in.

Tomorrow we have 11.1 miles left into Palmerton. Sherpa Mike has rented a car and will pick us up. We’re going to resupply and will be staying in a Hostal tomorrow night

Here’s to a fast night of sleeping. Only 47 miles left in Pennsylvania!