I had a little visitor last night. As I was laying in my tent, not sleeping, I heard this munching going on outside. After sometime went by, I finally had enough. What is that chewing the cud outside my tent? I got up, as I also needed to pee, and without a headlamp, I exited my tent. As I was looking into the trees about 20’ or so, I saw this black figure. It’s not a deer, because they’re so skittish, it would be running for it’s life. Is that a bear? I squat and take care of business, get back up and that silly bear, is still chewing away. I look at him a bit more intense, rub my eyes, and look again. Yep, that’s a bear! He has no care that I’m here peeing in the woods. All he wants to do is eat ferns and fronds, the sweet tips that curl atop the luscious greens. I head back to my tent, knowing now I can get some sleep. I’ve seen my bear.

At 5am, I was awake. This seems to be my normal routine these days. Slowly, I packed up, made my witches brew, deflated my mattress, and prepared for the upcoming day. It was thundering most the night, so I’m thinking the typical weather pattern has returned. A little past six, and I’m off. Soot is just waking up, so I bid him farewell, but know he will catch up before lunch.

The morning is uneventful except for all the spiders webs, deer frolicking and frogs hoping about. Before long, Plunger catches me. I’ve never seen him before. He’s from Utah and hiking with a gal from New Zealand. Before long, Soot catches me and we all plan to meet at the upcoming spring. An hour later, I make it. Skippy, from NZ is sitting, making vegetable roll ups, while Plunger is getting water. The beauty of having a trail friend is sharing the workload.

Skippy and I talked quite a bit. She also hiked the PCT and we shared the many differences between the two trails. I have come to the conclusion that if I had hiked the AT first, I may not have continued this quest for long-distant hiking. It’s really not fair to say as I haven’t seen the beauty of the Whites and the wilderness of Maine. But these rocks of Pennsylvania are not my favorite. Funny thing, Skippy feels the same way. Okay, so it’s not just me.

We share our thoughts of different trails, and land on the Colorado Trail CT. Just as Plunger returns with the double load of water, Skippy invites him to hike the CT when they get to Maine. These two are easily hiking 20-25 miles a day, if not more, with all these rocks. Once again, I will never see them again. We exchange info and who knows, Skippy may return for a Continental Divide bid. We just may see each other again. I hope so. Plunger gives me enough water to make my way to Wind Gap. I too, leave the comfort of my pad on the ground, and wander down the trail.

The mid-morning is nice, a few more rocks to conquer, a couple of lookouts to explore and a lot of trees. I made my way down to Wind Gap and head over to the Gateway Motel. Sangi, the owner, is very friendly to hikers. I walk a few bonus clicks, and run into Soot. He is clean and getting his laundry done. Sangi greets me and offers me a free soda. “Anyone of your age hiking the trail deserves a free drink”. This age thing is coming in handy. When I was bunking at Bert’s Place, Popeye and Recon gave me the bottom bunk. Age over beauty has its benefits!

I debated if I was going to hike any further when it started raining. Hmm, that was a definite no. I called Not Today, who has a Hostel nearby. He said he would drive to the trail, pick me up and give me a warm bed to sleep in. Can’t beat that offer.

What a nice guy. He hiked the AT in 2021 and said it changed his life. He has been a much better person because of it and wanted to keep that spirit alive. His Aunt had a Bunk-House near Mount Pocono and he bought it from her last year. He picks up hikers from Wind Gap to Delaware Water Gap, feeds them, offers them slackpacking options and a cozy and clean place to rest. I’m all in. I could use a short day, and I just might take him up on slackpacking tomorrow. That’d be a nice way indeed, to finish up Rocksylvania.

Just to clarify, this is where the AT shines. The entire time I hiked the PCt, I stayed in only one hostel. The community that surrounds the Appalachian is bound with love and support. There is always someone buying a home, near the trail, so they can be part of this eclectic group of hikers. It reminds me of the church. Comes as you are, be who you are, and we will love you just as you are. It is quite beautiful! I’m so grateful for the incredible warmth and amazing love I have been showered with. I must say, the AT rocks after all.