Zero Day!

After spending a night in "jail" (a hikers'-only hostel in Palmerton located in the basement of the "cop shop", we did laundry across the street, scored a tasty diner breakfast, took care of posalt logistics, and other logistics. We're almost 300 miles from our start point and getting stronger every day. But our bodies definitely needed a rest. We're doing 20 miles tomorrow, over one of the toughest sections yet (even worse than the "knife's edge", which was as scary--and as exhilarating as it sounds). It starts with a near-vertical 1000 foot climb, then 4 miles over an exposed rocky area that was spoiled by a a zinc mine dump. To make it easier on ourselves, we're "slack-packing" (or "slacking" this dounting section. That means we're only carrying food, water and rain gear and sending the rest of our stuff to a hotel at our next stop. No, we're not wusses. Even "Gorrilla", a burly 6'6 dude who cruised past us a week ago, signed a logbook we passed earlier saying he's "slacking" thru a good chunk of PA. Many other really good hikers we've met have done the same. The rocks take a toll on one's souls and one's soles. Anyway, 20 miles is still not exactly a wimpy distance. I'm sure we'll get to the hotel, shower and crash. Then, only 16 more miles and we'll be free of PA!
Billy Goat