Bert’s Place is a gem. It’s a family-owned and operated restaurant with rooms for hikers in the back. You have to check with the owner as they only have five beds. You get a shower, laundry and breakfast for $35. That’s the best deal on the trail. And if Tracey is available, she will shuttle you to and from the trail.

I wanted to leave early this morning because summer has hit the East Coast and it’s getting hot fast. S’Willy planned a quick exit, so we were up by 5 and out the door before 6am. The walk back to trail was roughly two bonus miles, walking through town, then a cement plant and back up a steep side trail that met up with the AT. I was tired just getting to the trail.

Then the climbing commenced. It was fairly steep as there was a vertical 700-800 in less than a mile. To add insult to injury, my pack was loaded with four liters of water, which weighs close to eight pounds. That’s in addition to my 25 pounds of gear and food, that I’m already heaving up the trail. I can do this. Well that’s what I thought.

So this little section is called Lehigh Gap. it is renowned as the steepest section of the AT. I probably should’ve known that before I signed up. I am deathly afraid of heights and this ain’t hiking. This is find a handhold and grab tight for your life. I could not take any photos because I was shaking like a leaf. Instead of playing Pickleball for the past six months, I should’ve been at the rock climbing gym. This is, not at all, what I expected. Hey Ravens, you never told me about this section of the AT!

After hoisting myself up and over countless boulders and letting go of my death grip on the rocks, I made it to just a plain old rocky path. Now all of a sudden, rocks are welcome. I can walk over rocks, I can almost skip across rocks, but I would rather just be hanging out in my tent. There’s still work to do and my plan is to get in some miles before it gets blistering hot.

I made it to a road crossing and saw a sign for Blue Mountain Resort. I like Blue Mountains and I love Resorts so I figured I better check it out. Again, more bonus miles but this sounds like it’ll be worth my while. A white cargo van is driving up the hill so I flag him down and bum a ride. He takes me to the top of the resort where they serve food and drinks. Hallelujah, this sounds like the perfect stop.

The gal ushers me in and puts me a table away from all the other customers. I can’t blame her. I look like a homeless person and smell like I haven’t taken a bath in days, which is somewhat true. I mind no matter as long as I can get a burger, salad and water, I’m as happy as a clam on the beach. My food arrives and I think it was the best burger I have ever had. Seriously, it was amazing and the wedge salad was out of this world. I was one happy camper.

After about an hour of relaxing at this fine resort, I hit the trail. There was a sneaky shortcut I found on my app. I had to take the service road to the top of the ski area. There was an obscure path cut in the trees and within a few minutes, I was back on the trail. Well fed and walking slowly. I made my way to a hunters camp and stop for a siesta. I know, this is much harder than it sounds.

I talked to a couple of hikers and then Soot came by. I met Soot on the train from DC to Harpers Ferry. We started the same day and keep bumping into each other. He finally got his Trail Name when he camped at this place that had soot all over the ground. By the time he was packed up and ready to go, he looked like a Chimney Cleaner. So Soot or Sooty is his name now. He’s from Santa Cruz, CA so we are neighbors kind of. He wanted to hike the PCT this year but with all the snow, he came over to the AT instead. Good call.

We both were pretty tired from the days bouldering exercise so camp was coming early. We found a spot that accommodates many tents but it appears we are the only ones who are staying. We’ve actually had a few thunderstorms and a bit of rain. We sure need it so no complaints here. We cooked dinner and then I watched Soot hang his food bag. This is always the entertainment of the evening. Throwing rock bags, trying to aim them where you want them to go, and not getting hurt. This is serious business as many a hiker have been smacked by their rock bag. Not tonight. Food is secure and the bears will go hungry.

I think I’m gonna head into a hotel tomorrow. I can pitch my tent on the lawn, which I prefer, but I need a shower and my clothes are in terrible need of washing. I’ve heard good things about this place and it’s close to the trail. Only a few bonus tenths. I can handle that.

Today was a day I won’t forget for a very long time, if ever. I was without words, and all I could think of was my next perfectly placed handhold and foothold. It was about as intense of an exercise that I choose to never participate in again. I was asking Jesus, why are we doing this? And all I could hear was “trust me”. So I did my part and He did his. There was not a single time that I slipped and felt off balance even with my pack full with four liters of water. I have such respect for climbers who do this for fun. I did it only because I had to. This was never ever fun! But it was a lesson that I will remember and hold onto. There are things that are out of our control, but knowing the Lord, makes it easier to do what needs to be done. I do my part and He does the rest. Thank you Jesus for being a great partner and Belay Person (Climbing Lingo).