AT Day 89: Across the Lehigh River to Blue Mtn

Daily Miles: 20.9, Total Miles: 1,265.7

I spooked two whitetail just after leaving my campsite this morning. Quickly arrived at Thunderbird Lodge off of PA Route 309 and refilled my water bottles – they kindly help hikers. Later in the morning on a flat section of trail, my right shoe caught an upturned rock and I fell fast and hard (once again) to my knees and then the weight of my backpack drove my face to the ground. I laid there and assessed damage for a moment before slowly getting up. A sore, bruised knee and another bloody finger.

I think I’ve hiked a Knife’s Edge on my other big hikes and the AT was no exception. A narrow, tilted, rocky ridge was quite the rock scramble and even had to stop and plan a few moves. Great views and so glad it was dry. Bear Rocks came quickly thereafter, another rocky viewpoint. Much appreciated trail magic at Ashfield Road crossing – several gallons of water and cans of root beer. Goot timing because this stretch of 20 miles is the first scarce water section I have seen on the AT.

I finally crossed the Lehigh River on a road bridge near Palmerton PA. Looked at nearby accommodations and briefly considered the nearby Sunny Rest Resort. Clothes optional, a restaurant, and they would even pick you up at the trailhead. But the rooms were quite expensive, oh well. Instead, I had a good climb and very steep rock scramble to the very top of Blue Mountain. Nice views of the PA countryside.

Later, I saw a long rat snake stretched across the trail. I thought it was dead but nudged it with my hiking pole – it coiled up quickly. Camped near the Blue Mountain Road and really enjoyed the Chicken Coconut Curry dinner.

New birds today: Worm Warbler, Prairie Warbler and a Field Sparrow.