Hiking Trail Journals

Appalachian Trail 2003 - Chelsea's Journals

Entry #88 - July 8, 2003

A pretty boring day for hiking. This area is mostly ridge walking. We've heard about the horrible rocks in Pennsylvania since we started, but at least they don't seem to be so bad yet. There have been some pretty wicked areas, though.

Andy hiked in front of me most of the day. We were up on the ridge and he was about 15 yards ahead. All of a sudden I heard a rattling and leaves brushing and looked up to see Andy jumping around on the trail. He'd seen a rattlesnake! I asked if it was still there and walked up to see it. It had slithered into the brush and was just laying there. Didn't rattle anymore, just kept going after a bit. So now I guess we've seen most of what we were waiting for. Would be neat to see a mountain lion -supposedly they're around. Well, maybe not so far north. A bobcat, perhaps? And there's always the moose when we get up to Maine.

Did about 19 miles today. Weren't sure we were going to find a place to set up the tent, and thought we might have to do another 7 to the shelter. Did find a spot though, and there's even some water about 5 minutes away. Camped here with Stonehedge. We've decided to go into Pine Grove tomorrow and hopefully will be able to relax in an air-conditioned room. Right now I'm thinking of laying in bed with a pint of ice cream and watching TV all day.

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