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Sunday–July 18, 2021
Trail Day–149
Trail Mile–-8.1/1,699.3
Location–Wind Gap, then to Blue Mountain Dome Hostel, John Mechanical Man & Linda Crayon Lady Stempa, Proprietors, Kunkletown, AT Mile 1,280.6
Not out early, but I’ve decided to do a short day today, only eight miles. So, no rush. Smith Gap trailhead is near the hostel, so Mechanical Man has me hiking shortly after eight. The gap here is little more than a small dip in the ridge. So, there’s really no climbing as usual, first thing. But the Blue Mountain rocks are right here, no lack of rocks. The falls I’ve taken in the last few days have left me very stiff and in pain. I’ve had to start taking Vitamin I (ibuprofen) again, and that offers some relief. But still, it takes nearly a half-hour to work the kinks out and get myself moving. The incessant rocks let me have it; there’s no relief, not the least break. There will be countless more miles of rocks ahead before this journey ends, but I’ll be much relieved to get Pennsylvania and this Blue Mountain behind me.
Rain had been forecast and it comes in right at nine. Not hard, but steady, I must stop and put my poncho on to keep my pack dry. There are scant places where the trail is free of rocks. Those short sections have now turned to mud.
The rain has brought a very dark day. My attitude does not help…
Mama said there’ll be days like this,
There’ll be days like this Mama said
(Mama said, mama said)
Mama said there’ll be days like this,
There’ll be days like this my Mama said.
(Shirelles)
