happy summer!

alas - we didn't know that summer solstice is hike naked day. billy goat is disappointed to have missed this opportunity to hike the way nature intended, but stay tuned: we may yet see billy goat earn his miles in the buff (i'll try to get photo evidence) - billy goat won't mind as he is quite proud of his physique these days. he enjoys pulling up his shirt and giving himself a good slap in the gut (billy goat's way of saying: next week i'll have a six pack).

our proud moment came day before last when we did our first 15 mile day. it was a rough one too. after walking over sharp PA rock for hours followed by a near vertical descent, little pony had meltdown #3 (or 4 - but who's counting?) cause her feet felt like she'd been jumping on meat tenderizers for 8 hours.

we entered into port clinton - a very pixturesque town nestled in the schyukill river gap between 2 ridges of blue mountain. we stayed at the port clinton hotel which is the kind of hotel/bar/restaurant you'd expect to see on hbo's deadwood. the owners are grouchy and even though they supposedly cater to hikers (the AT has been routed through the town since 1929) it appears that hikers aren't much liked. my crack sociological theory is that it's a class thing. judging by the looks of the other folks at the bar this is a former factory/mining town and I guess folks that take 3-8 months off to enjoy a nature trail sounds about as bourgeois as it gets. and they're probably right - and we're fortunate to be doing it.

only 60.5 miles before we get outta PA - it sure is beautiful country but we're not gonna miss the rocks.