Sleeping Beauty got himself a new corn cob pipe
I found a cherry bomb cigar that was sweet and savory.
I don't think it mattered what kind of cigar Paddy Cakes got he was just happy with life!
As we left Port Clinton we also realized it was summer solstices which in hiker AT terms means naked hiking day. We all decided to split up for the afternoon and see how freeing it felt to be naked. I had an emergency back up plan in case we came across a Boy Scout troop or something. I had two bandannas to do a quick cover up job. But thankfully it was a cool lonely naked hike all to ourselves. We finally got to our campsite and joined the land of clothed, but not before we took a few pictures. I will spare you most of them but I did like the shots from behind.
Here is another hiking day picture from Sleeping Beauty. Don't worry, his stuff is in his cook pot. If anyone is interested in a red bearded man let me know!!!!
The next day we pushed a 25 mile day skipping from rock to rock all afternoon.
We made it to Pulpit Rock where we enjoyed the view even with the fog. We did run into some very nosy peeps who told us we couldn't make it to New Jersey in three days. So of course we had to blow right past them with their day packs on to prove to them just how wrong they were. I mean come on, I've been hiking and living outside for the past three months. Who do they think they are talking to?? Section hikers?? Just Kidding!
Paddy Cakes taking in the view
It was a foggy overcast day
Sleeping Beauty is such a great friend. He took this wonderful picture and just wanted to be part of it so he stuck a finger in the corner. Thanks buddy!:)
Best part of the day!
What is it with guys and peeing off everything?
Just when we thought the day was going to end on a uneventful note, Caboose almost steps on this beauty below. Of course his natural reaction was to jump but upon doing so he knocked down Sleeping Beauty to become snake food. Thank goodness the snake didn't like white meat!
I think we have seen more snakes than anything else on the trail.
After 7 days of no showering and two more days before town, I decided I at least had to wash my hair. So, I found a good spot and did the best I could. It's amazing how much better just a little water makes you feel. I think we have all decided 9 days is too long not to shower. This is the longest span we have gone yet without a shower and good god we are ripe! Never again! Never!
This is our second to last day in Pennsylvania and the rocks have become
boulders and are now the trail. You can see Sleeping Beauty and Spanky on a difficult part of the trail. Balancing on the slanted rocks with a pack can be challenging. Especially for Sleeping Beauty who has a guitar strapped to his pack.
Making it along the ridge line
The view from the top
Taking a break and enjoying the breeze. Today's temperature was in the mid 90's hottest yet!
The boys had to get out of the sun for lunch.
With the weather getting warmer and the lack of cool afternoon showers we grow to love the trees shade more and more. We have been taking afternoon siestas to avoid the heat.
Paddy Cakes keeping cool in the shelter for his nap.
The green tunnel is a name that many people use to refer to the Appalachian Trail. Right now we love our shady green tunnel!!!
It was a good thing we took those naps because we had quite a climb to conquer. This was our first time that we had to hand over foot and stop using our trekking poles. Unfortunately I didn't stop using my poles soon enough and broke one right at the top. Those poles have lasted me 1,582 miles.
Caboose found his American flag waiting for him at the top.
Caboose and Sleeping Beauty enjoying the view.
View from the top
Even after the climb we had time to stop and enjoy the flowers.
The next day we pushed 25 hard and rocky miles. Was over 90 degrees and had some spans of over 13 miles with no water sources. It was a rough day and the only picture I took was the one below.
Another picture of the wonderful rocky trail of Pennsylvania. Good god I can't wait to get out of this Rocksylvania state!
Our view coming into Delaware Water Gap!
Me posing with some other weiner ;)
So here we are about to leave Pennsylvania. The "y'all's" have turned to "yous'". The sweet tea has turned to coffee. The biscuits have turned to bagels. Hitch hiking is near impossible. The southern hospitality is gone but we are excited for the adventures ahead and ready to push on up into New England!
Puddin'
