Trip Miles: 1253.90
Natalie was up early and said she didn't feel well so we packed up quickly and hiked eight miles into Palmerton. Water has been scarce, even with the rain, and we were glad to find some trail magic as we headed for town. Water, food and supplies from an angel. Thank you.
We crossed the Leighigh River a mile out of town where the local Lutheran Minister offered us a ride to the town center. Natalie and Mike walked to the local hospital to see if they could diagnose the problem while I took all our gear to the laundry to wash.
I figured I'd be there for a bit and I was; five hours. It appears that Natalie has an infection that they'll treat with antibiotics and rest. We'll take a zero here Wednesday and see how she's doing. Fighting the infection, along with the high miles and tough terrain, really tired her out.
Meanwhile, back at the laundry, I'm starvin'! Some of the other thrus are in town staying at the hostel. Fonz, Chip, VooDoo the Maine Sistahs and J Rex all came in to wash clothes. We took turns watching each others gear while we went out for food. Not that there's much to worry about in this town. Everyone seems genuinely friendly toward hikers.
I went next door to Bert's. I grabbed a quick sandwich and soda. Good food. Nice people. I went back later for a chocolate milkshake. Yum! When the kids got back from the hospital they were hungry, so we all went there for dinner. I'm three for three.
After dinner we needed to get to the motel about seven miles out of town. We decided to stay there so that Nat would get the rest she needed. There weren't many options to get there besides hitching. The woman who runs Bert's, Tracey, called her husband, J.D., who dropped what he was doing and came out to drive us over. Honestly, I had said last night that the only trail magic in Pa. had come from a fellow hiker from Oregon and a father, John, and his two young sons who had just moved here two weeks ago. Then today, when it was so needed, there it was; on the trail into town, the ride in from the minister, and J.D. and Tracey going out of their way to help. Your kindness won't be forgotten.
If anyone reading this is ever in Palmerton, Pa. stop into Bert's for good food, great shakes, and remarkable fellowship. Thank you so much J.D. and Tracey!
We settled in at the motel, thanks to the Administrator, and prepared for a day off. Ahh!
TTFN
 |
| One of each, please |
 |
Old Chain Bridge, Lehigh Gap
"This monument commemorates the chain bridge erected at Lehigh Gap in 1826 and dismantled in 1933. Links from the chain now form a the fence around this monument made of pure charcoal iron forged by hand at little Gap. They have resisted the elements for 110 years to date"
|
 |
| Getting closer to the look I'm going for |
Hello, my name is Jackie and I work at Bert's. Although I was not on duty when you were visiting, Tracey talks of you often and follows your blog faithfully. However, I must share some bad news.... JD was killed in a motorcycle accident last Tuesday. He will be missed by many. Thank you for your kind words of both JD and Tracey! ❤️ Keep in touch and stay safe!!
ReplyDeleteJackie, We were very sad to hear the news about JD. The kindness of both JD and Tracey came at just the right time and carried us a long way up the trail. Natalie, Mike and I will not forget JD and we are so grateful to have met him. Please forward our condolences to Tracey. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Delete