July 26 Mile 1264

Got up to a clear nice morning-but a tough start. After hitching a ride in the back of a pick-up truck , courtesy of Tootsie Pop's thumb, we were at Lehigh gap, which turns out to be on of the toughest climbs before New Hampshire. 1000 foot climb-but you rock climb over boulders and have to pull yourself and your pack along. It was the toughest and for me the most scary climb of the hike.Cisco helped me up the big rocks. Was told it was a "technical climb" whatever that is? I signed up for a hike, not rock climbing!
Once we got up there it was pretty nice-a open ridge for many miles with a view to Palmerton and the surrounding valley below. This is a Superfund site due to the zinc mining and very few trees have survived. Hiked over the Blue Mtns, found water left by trail angels, as this was very dry country-and then had our best trail magic of the trip to date-Zephyr and Bag Daddy put out a spread for us at a gravel road crossing-Dinner, and lots to eat and drink!! Thanks guys it was fantastic. Stayed too long and then had to night hike with our lights to the camping area for the evening. Didn't arrive until 9:20! Way after dark, but already had a terrific meal.
Long day but satisfying! Keeping my I-phone off to see if it dries out. Hope for good things.