July 20 Mile 1190

Long day 18 miles
Today was a rerun day for the third day hiking. We hike up 1000 feet above the valley, and then hike a trail past old farm roads along the ridge line. Today we were above Indiantown Gap Army base. But we have few views. At one point, late in the day we came our of the forest and there was a view of the valley below- farms and fields- very pretty. The prettiest view we have had in PA thus far. This is rich farm country around here. Nice to see some.
Today we came to the 501 Shelter -pizza! The Shelter is very close to Hiway 501, has a shower, fresh water and a nice bunkhouse. And you can order pizza from the hiway, which wr did at about 4PM. It was our dinner and I carried leftovers into the woods for later. Before coming out here, didn't carry much for cold pizza. Now I love it!
We had a very poignant moment while trying to order our pizza and sitting on the side of the highway where the trail comes out of the woods. A couple, about my age, not hikers, but dressed in regular clothes was walking up to the trail. They saw us and stopped to talk. About 9 years ago their son had thru hiked the AT. He then went on to hike other trails, and eventually moved out to Jackson Hole, WY. While there he was rock climbing and had a fatal accident. They told us that whenever they cross the AT by car, they like to stop and walk the trail a bit and think
of their son, as they know he once passed by this spot years before. The mother looked at Cisco and said he reminded her of her son. I told them how sorry we were for their loss. I know they are inconsolable, and nothing can take away their pain. But the trail gives them a connection to their son. I am a very fortunate father to be here with my son.
PENN is known for it's rocks and there were lots of rocks on the trail today.
One spot the AT crossed another trail. Our trail full of rocks, other trail clear as can be. Why is that?
It was a long 18 mile day, so we didn't
get to our campsite until night was falling. Camped at Heinlein camping area, between a couple of small creeks. There was a huge boulder field nearby that I first thought was a parking lot, due to all the reflected light. Didn't get too near, lots of snakes aboug I am told .
Aching feet! Cutting boots may have done some good. Think my footware is just not working for me. When I wear the slides, they don't push on my sore spots, but the hiking shoes sure do!!
Put up tents, ate leftover pizza. Went to sleep. Mighty good.



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