Wind Gap, PA (USA)

After a few days hiking in no-cell, no-Internet North Country, I found myself back near civilization. Woke up at 0530 and left my hotel, attempting to get in a few miles on AT before the rain hit (I was not successful with the latter goal)... Set up at trailhead at PA-33 and hiked SOBO, uphill and into the monsoon. Saw two through hikers (leading edge of the lead bubble?). After that, though, I made it out to Smith Gap without encountering anyone. The rain stopped and the sun actually came out. I didn't dally at my turnaround point (Smith Gap Road), though (afraid of the return of inclement weather). The walk back was easier (as always) and I saw more people. I assisted in an AT game of telephone (to assist a hiker who'd lost his wallet). Saw some interesting orange salamanders along the way... When I was done, I'd completed nearly 16.5 miles under less than optimal conditions, overcome the demotivating elements, explored the boundaries of my post-surgery limitations and seamlessly integrated into the 2015 AT culture. Finished around 1400 and used PA-33 to get to I-78 in Allentown. Made phone calls for several hours and made pretty good time (via, I-81, PA-581, US-15). Stopped for lunch at Arby's and gas in Dillsburg (PA) at 1530. Drove the rest of the way home (via I-270 and I-495) with some good endorphins racing through my blood (note - some of the good feeling was dampened by a huge traffic jam on the Beltway, exacerbated by weather). Stopped to visit the kids and then attended a parent meeting at their school (1830). Home by 2000 and then unpacked. After a day like today, I keep thinking "bring on the summer!" AT Today = 8.26 miles / Grand Total AT = 435.16 miles.