TRAIL DAY 132
Fri, July 1, 2016 I was awake by 6:00 a.m. – smack in the middle of the trail. John Paul was still asleep. I took a photo of us thinking he was hogging (who cares?) his half out of the middle but the evidence defeats that claim.
Now, let me point out here that JP is an avid reader. He has read many superhero and other mythological or mystery or childhood-intrigue books multiple times. There simply are no inhibitors in his brain to the words-to-meaning-to-comprehension flow from ink-dots to letters to words to palpable cognitive substance. See. Comprehend. Turn page. See. Comprehend. Turn page. Ooooooh! Do I wish I had that ability! Dyslexia’s a drag. But it does afford some humor as in the bumper sticker:
DAM
MOTHERS AGAINST DYSLEXIA
Well, JP got himself buried in a book our first morning. Just as he did the moment we arrived at our van on July 21, 2011 at 11:15 a.m. after 5 days on the 42.5-mile, constant-up-and-down Black Forest Trail in northern Pennsylvania where we encountered 6! rattlesnakes.
I’m not complaining mind you. I’m envious! We all have our gifts. One of mine is organizing and packing. I am known for both. If there is a square inch of space left in a suitcase or car, I’ll find what will fill it. So I was happy to use my skills as JP used his that first morning of July 2016.
And let me add another skill JP has. He’s interested in everything and is a delight to converse with on whatever. His thoughts are well considered and insightful. As well read as he is, I push my own comprehension to keep up with him – if I do at all. Quantum mechanics. Particle physics. I share his interests. Theology. Spiritual realities. Personal experiences. We can go on and on. Characters from his reading. I listen and nod comprehension – sometimes feigned – with rapt attention.
I find JP a sheer delight. I love the fella and thrill at his waking awareness of the world and his place in it. A great movie with a great plot. I don’t want to miss a single episode.
One more point and then we’ll get back on the trail: I’m not sure I could manage the return to the trail without JP. My feet were rested, I think, but the trail wasn’t giving up and the rocks weren’t moving. They kept doing their grave work and there were a lot more to come.
Well, maybe, with my determination, I’d have made it without JP but he sure took the edge off the difficulty of returning to the trail through Rocksylvania. A precious time and memory for me.
PA AT rocks led us forward with occasional breaks. I remember a long section of what might have been an old service road, now an overgrown, rutty, wide woodland path. Nice hazy-day views came at breaks in the canopy. Lush, green fields and forest-covered hills spoke of the grandeur of the full-flushed verdant earth.
In time we came to Hawk Mountain Road and a sign directing us to the Eckville Shelter (0.2E) where AWOL advised “spigot outside caretaker’s house.” We were in need of water but what did we see at the road but TRAIL MAGIC! They had all the water we needed. I don’t recall the full array of offerings or what we had but I know we were grateful and refreshed when we returned to the woods and rocks across the road.
In 7.4 miles we climbed 1000′ to start and then traverse a long ridge to the Allentown Hiking Club Shelter which we shared with other hikers. There was an “Unreliable spring downhill in front of shelter 0.2 mile, another 0.1 farther.” It was always something you just sucked up and did when at the shelter or campsite. You do what you have to do for water – rain, sleet, cold, dark, climb or not – you go. It made sense, one learned, not to switch to crocks as soon as you got to camp. Keep the boots on till you have all the water you need.
Eat and bed down for a sheltered night. JP got the feel of being on our own one night and camping with fellow hikers the next, book(s) always at hand should conversation turn boring.
Day #132 AT trail (Mile 1124.3) > Allentown HC Shelter 15.1 miles