July 9 - Bake Oven Knob Shelter (Day 112 – milepoint 1223.0)

Slackpacked again today, thanks to Bulldog. (We are in their neck of the woods after all.) Felt good.

We made a stop at the Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast, where caretakers Gene and Vera made Landshark, Paka Bear and I a bunch of hot dogs and gave us flavored ice pops.

Lots of rocks today, revealing why PA is not-so-affectionately known on the AT as “Rocksylvania.” Tolerable though, especially without a pack.

Hard, heavy rain with thunder and lightening made a portion of the day a little dangerous. The rain was literally coming down sideways! Land Shark, who wears an external aluminum frame pack, removed his pack, dropped his aluminum poles and found cover separate from his gear until the worst of it passed.

After witnessing that, it occurred to me that I don’t truly know the best thing to do, beyond common sense, in that situation. I just kept walking, and the percentages worked in my favor. But I admit I was ignorant.

Enjoying the company of this new group of folks.

Aquaholic