Day 74, July 28, 2014

20.8 AT miles and 21.6 total miles.

We departed Cindy's and she took Yukon and I to the Palmerton post office. I received a snack pack from mom and my sponsor Wild Hunt Pack sent me tons of jerky. I shared with Cindy, Yukon and Blue Eyes the ridge runner for the area. Thanks for the jerky Paramount Fit Foods!

Palmerton was an awesome hike. We experienced tons of bouldering coming out of Palmerton, but it was freaking awesome!

We killed the hike, but did 2 hours of night hiking. We also dodged a storm that gave us a light precipitation for about 45 minutes. We arrived at Beerstein in Wind Gap. I was exhausted and my feet were rocked. Beerstein allowed free tent camping and I grabbed 10 wings, a burger and a little more to eat. Bed at 12:30 a.m.

IHOP, Smooth D, Cindy and Yukon.

Cindy rockin IHOP 

Todd, IHOP and the chainsaw.

Paramount Fit Foods, Jerky and IHOP. Thanks for the jerky!

Show me the Jerky!!! And new boots please :).

Overlooking Palmerton area.

Yukon bouldering.

There is no place Yukon would rather be!

Bouldering...

Rock on!

America! Yukon throwing it up for America!

Earth First Profit Last.

Yukon finding the best raspberries.

Loaded raspberry bushes.

This is the flavor burst! All these hit the taste buds at once.

PA rocks.

Beerstein backyard tent camping.

Day 73, July 27, 2014

13.2 AT miles.

Yukon and I headed out at 9 a.m. The rocks were slick and abundant.

Yukon slipped on a rock and fell. This was a scary point for me and I was quiet while he inspected the damage. When you see your fellow brother holding his foot/leg scary thoughts run through your mind. I initially thought he had broken something, but I was about 10 yards away. Fortunately, the best thing that could of happened did. He gashed his shin about an inch long and a coffee straw wide. It coulda probably used stitches but we carried out first aid. He went to paramedic school and I supplied all my first aid gear. I told him not to wrap the medical tape to tight and he looked at me and said did you go to paramedic school? I laughed and said no. I told him I had had first aid/CPR going on 8 years, but to answer his question no :). He apologized later for being rude but I told him that I didn't take it to heart. When us tough guys get hurt we get frustrated at ourselves for making mistakes and do need time to release our frustration. Seriously though he did not have a rude approach and didn't need to apologize.

I had been mentioning throughout the day for us both to take our time and move through the rocks at a safe pace. However, we both were doing 3 miles an hour and pushin it.

We finished our day in Palmerton and got a ride to town. We got 3 subs for $15 and Cindy Ross picked us up again. We went back to her house and ate fresh pesto. We also had ice cream and pie. We completed dishes and laundry. I helped Todd research his new chainsaw sprocket. We were so grateful for their hospitality. We stayed in Cindy's cabin.

Blue Mountain Summit B & B. Grateful for an awesome tent site.

Yukon saying, "rocks man."

More rocks.

The view and it was a nice day.

Have you ever heard of PA and rocks?

Awesome view.

Rocks.

You know, rocks.

Blue Mountain Eagle Club.

Town!

What's up?

Pesto, fresh basil out of the garden, Walnut, Parmesan, garlic and olive oil. Fresh tomatoes out of the garden with bread and butter! Thank you so much Cindy and Todd! Yukon and I will always be so grateful for everything!!

Day 72, July 26, 2014

Yukon and I awoke, and the breakfast was amazing. Eggs, Dill, mushrooms, cheese and toast. Yukon completed dishes and I pulled the onions. Todd went to the local part store for a chainsaw part. Cindy and Mary Alice went to Delaware Water Gap for an overnight camp on the AT.

Yukon and I hung laundry, folded our laundry and dried our boots. We prepped our bags for an overnight ourselves because we would return to Cindy's Sunday. She insisted and thoroughly enjoyed our company.

I helped load the truck with chainsaw carvings for the local fair. Todd took us to the trail around 1:30 p.m. after stopping to the store on the ride there. We bought him two Pepsis and grabbed some snacks. We arrived back to Eckville and shared some chips and dip with our fellow thru hikers. The caretaker Mic and Yukon continued to hit it off. They were both ex-military. 

We began out hike with a nice inclined but smashed it. We saw a juvenile bear that darted in the woods in the mountain top. Todd requested Yukon and I keep a lookout for trail maintenance items. We picked up trash, moved limbs over and took pictures of 4 trees that needed chainsawing.

The hike was nice and of course.... Rocky. We arrived at Allentown Hiking Club Shelter. A 59 year old asked if we wanted coffee and of course we accepted. We laughed our butts off as we watched someone far in the distance fail to hang their bear bag. They were in the distance, the limb extremely high and at one point I saw their bear bag sling shot through the air.

Yukon and I continued on and ran into a 60-75 year old company prior to our arrival to our campsite. We said our hellos, spoke of the restaurant we were headed and carried on for about five minutes. As we departed the gentleman asked us to hold up, told the lady she had lost the bet and needed to pay up. She asked if she really had to do it and she pursued with her "paying up." Yukon and I observed her what looked like unbutton her britches, unstrap her bra under her shirt and she flashed us for a solid 5 seconds. SPEECHLESS! My first reaction I acted on was to give the guy and female a high five. I said that was awesome and Yukon followed suit by throwing some high fives. The lady walked away discouraged and with her head down. I took note of this as we said our goodbyes and departed. I turned around after 10 solid steps and said, "ma'am I still have the utmost respect for you." She smiled and said thank you as we walked separate ways. 

This was what I needed! The situation put a smile on my face and gave me a morale booster. The rocks in PA mentally and physically pound you. I was ready to be done with the day, but now I had a pep in my step. Plus, things like this only happen on the AT!!! Yukon felt a different perspective and felt like his retinas had been burned. He's a funny guy no doubt!

We continued on and arrived in the back of the Blue Mountain Summit B&B. Tent camping was free for thru hikers and the grass was soft. We asked our fellow thru hikers what we needed to do and they said we were welcome to set up. The bar was a mellow and welcoming tone. We washed up and went for the food.

We met a thirty year old couple who were out on a date night. We shared our stories of the AT and little did we know they bought our dinner when they left. Travis had veal Marsala I had 12 wings and a mushroom Swiss burger. We were humbled. Travis ordered another burger on his tab and I got two beers on mine.

I cowboy camped for the first time. I laid my tent footprint, sleeping pad and sleeping bag on the soft grass. At 2:00 a.m. a storm rolled in and I ran for shelter at the bar. It took me a second to find shelter and I took my tent fly and wrapped it around my things. I stayed dry and felt homeless for once on the trail. I laid my head against the door of the building in a crouched position and waited for the storm to pass. I finally got my tent set up at 4:30 a.m. and passed out. We had arrived at the tent site at dark and were not able to observe our surroundings. Thus, I couldn't find a roof or porch with a shelter for several minutes when the rain rolled in at 2 a.m.

Cindy and Todd's beautiful garden!

Cindy and Todd raising turkey's.

Onion patch after I pulled them.

Onions for winter.

PA view.

Yukon grabbing a snack.

Day 71, July 25, 2014

Cindy and Todd's son Bryce and his friend Alex dropped us off at Port Clinton for a slackpack. They took us by the grocery for snacks on the way. We bought them a candy bar and Gatorade each. This was us trying to show our appreciation for the ride. They were headed back to Temple University. They had just graduated and were finishing some things up there.

We hiked down to Port Clinton .2 miles south on the AT to grab water. We met up with tons of friends and shared our motivation to get to Maine. Yukon and I had realized this as a pivotal point to start moving if we wanted to complete Maine by early October. I was able to share my message with friends and let them know that ima be slightly selfish and refocus back on my initial goal. It is easy for others to hold ya back because you do enjoy good company, but I've done a good job of steering clear of that for the most part.

I also saw Joe and Catherine. We have been hiking separately for awhile. Once they get to Delaware Water Gap they are flipping up to Maine. It was a positive interaction and again you have to hike your own hike. We should still hit the south together.

Yukon and I headed north. The Pinnacle was gorgeous. They have a place called Hawk Mountain. Here they have a wind pattern that produces the World's largest raptor migration each year. Approximately 20,000+ hawks, eagles, etc. wait for the perfect wind pattern to fly south. I saw my first copperhead here. The head was copper and he was coiled up between two rocks about three inches apart. I pushed him on so know one would get bit. A guy tried to grab his tail before he left for the rocks. Definitely was not a smart approach to trying to pick him up. I gave my buddy some advice to quit playing with fire. Most importantly I'm trying to steer clear of being in a situation where someone gets bit!

We made it to Eckville Shelter. Cindy and Todd used to run the hostel while they were saving money and continuing sustainable education. Todd picked us up and returned us to their house. We met Mary Alice who is Cindy's rock star friend. She works at Johns Hopkins University as a prestige editor. Her company was much appreciated and she was a hoot!

Can I just say the dinner was authentic and savory? Todd had forged a Dutch oven metal rack and they were cooking a chicken soup. The chicken soup was comprised of chicken, celery, carrots, onions and kale (of which the onions and kale were fresh from the garden). The appetizer was delicious avocado dip, grapes and cherries. Yukon and I assisted with shucking corn. Todd boiled the corn while Cindy manned the Dutch oven.

We said a blessing and enjoyed our dinner and company outside. Todd brought out candles and it was picture perfect. Mary Alice and Todd completed the dishes and we assisted with other chores. The night was summed up by great company and me asking Todd a million questions. I'm ready to work towards a greater lifestyle much similar to theirs! Todd thoroughly walked me through log building and other unique projects.

We said our goodnights, gave hugs and Yukon and myself stayed in "Cindy's Cabin." What a treat that was.

14.8 AT miles complete.

PA.

Appalachian.Trail love.

PA.

Hiking crew. Yukon, Mad Max, and Fifty left to right.

Copperhead in the rock crack.

Beautiful PA.

Yellow Timber Rattler. He let us know he was there 10 feet before we saw em. Big boy about 5 ft.

Eckville Shelter.

Love these guys. Cindy, Todd & Mary Alice. Left to right.

Mary Alice watching the Dutch oven.

Todd is extremely talented. Chainsaw carvings.

Yukon and Cindy breaking up fresh kale from the garden.

An amazing dinner! Thank you Todd and Cindy!

Day 70, July 24, 2014

My new hiking partner is Yukon. He is my brother already! We both know we are able to work well as a team and motivate one another to the finish line!

Our boots were soaked and our dry socks became wet instantly.

I finished the day with my toes rubbed raw from the friction of wet socks and boots. My toes are now swollen!

It's all worth it! Yukon my fellow brother stayed true to me! He promised he would do everything possible to have a lady named Cindy who lived near Port Clinton take care of me as well! He made it happen. This was one amazing experience I received.

Her husband Todd picked us up from a beer and wing restaurant. 

The restaurant experience prior to Todd's arrival. I had a yeungling, water and refused to buy food. The bartender was completely disrespectful to us and gave other locals better service than us hikers. They received the menus first and beers first after we had already ordered. A thru hiker did mention we are further north and I do need to work on comprehending I am not in the south anymore, but this lady was sarcastic to us, and clearly used her manners with other customers and not us. If you stereotype me based on other thru hikers I have no tolerance for treating other thru hikers with disrespect. I have no tolerance for rude behavior towards others in general.

I arrived at Cindy's house. I quickly learned she was a writer for a magazine, a extremely connected women in the hiking world, and a fighter for our US troops returning from war. Her husband a blacksmith, chainsaw wood carver, carpenter, farmer, painter, etc.

They shared baked zeti with meatballs, bread, cucumber salad and gave us four options for ice cream. They gave us a bath and bed to sleep on. I am HUMBLED!

They built a beautiful log cabin for a minimal amount of money compared to buying a house on the US housing market. How? Self sufficiency. Everything is recycled and done by theirselves. This place is a comparison to my future. More to come tomorrow.

Zach Adamson, ex-ranger who served on Yukon's team passed in January on US soil. Zach thru hiked the AT for one of his ranger comrades in the Iraqi war who wanted to hike the AT. Unfortunately, he passed in his first mission. Zach completed the AT for his buddy Eric upon returning from your. My buddy Yukon is hiking now for Zach and himself. Zach lost his life in January of 2014z They held an unbelievable Memorial Day service on McAfee Knob. Yukon raised enough money for Zach's family to fly out and cover all expenses. Zach's monument maybe found at Four Pines Hostel in the future. What a story and I'm proud to be a part of Yukon's hike/experience. Unfortunately I cannot place this experience in words. I am speechless and will share photos instead. I teared up today as I read Zach's story and further comprehended the brotherhood our military is honored to carry. I am honored to hike with Yukon! Truly honored!!

I will continue to share through photos this awesome experience!

1200 miles! Port Clinton, PA.

Port Clinton, PA takes two.

Fifty & Mad Max. Ye Olde Backpacker!

Todd and his son Bryce. Chinese lanterns.

Travis Johnston, "Yukon" and Shawn Reilly honor their fallen brother.

A memorial dedicated to Aorborne Ranger Zach Adamson.

A memorial dedicated to Aorborne Ranger Zach Adamson.

Airborne Ranger Zach Adamson.

Yukon's trail family goes to Macafee to Support him and honor Zach.