|
July
21, 1983 Thursday (925.6 mtg) From
Gonzo!s Appalachian Trail journal
We
woke again at 4:30 am and I hiked off with Marcel and Paul. The
trail dropped 500 feet in just over a half of a mile on it's way
down to the Lehigh River running in the valley below. We followed
the path as it made a huge hairpin turn to bring us into position
for access to the bridge that crossed the River. Although the ascent
was steep, I had expected worse, and the only really tough part
came just as we began to join the crest. The trail became rough
and nothing but rock. Apparently the zinc industry located below
in the valley had produced so much toxic pollution that the vegetation
of the area has been killed off, leaving just a pile of rocks. Not
just rocks, but BIG ROCKS. The reward came as we were treated to
a great view into the valley. As if the real trail was not tough
enough, I decided to do a little bouldering along the side of the
trail to make the final ascent a little more of a challenge.
The trail leveled out on the crest and followed along a jeep path
for several miles over a burned out area. Except for the initial
descent and ascent in Lehigh Gap, I hiked along the crest of Blue
Mountain for sixteen miles before reaching Leroy Smith Shelter where
I took a siesta before moving on to Wind Gap. The trail along the
ridge was mostly level (with rocks of course) except for the dip
at Little Gap.
At Wind Gap, the trail crossed PA 33 near a Motel. While we were
hanging around the Motel, we became aware of the darkening of the
sky, so I, Marcel and Pete decided to take a room for $22 total
between us. Got a nice shower and were able to stay out of the rain
that fell later. The next shelter was still almost nine miles farther
and I had already traveled twenty-one miles. I think that is enough.
Gonzo!
Appalachian Trail Journals ©1983
|
