Tamaqua, PA (USA)

Suddenly had an extra weekend to hike... Wasn't ready to leave my apartment last night, so I woke up very early and drove (via I-495, I-95, I-695, I-83, I-81 and I-78), north - got gas in Frystown (PA) at 0925 and then made my way back (via PA-143) to one of the AT trail heads on Blue Mountain. I was headed SOBO from PA-309 by 10:15 - temperatures were perfect (mid 70s)! Caught up to three section hikers on the outbound leg - the first one seemed annoyed when I tried to make small talk (it made more sense when he stopped and waved his arm dramatically, saying "si vous plais" - at least I know enough French to answer that...), the next two guys were very chatty but were walking too slowly. Only saw one NOBO (all the bubbles have passed, I guess). So I kept walking all the way to the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary trails. I quickly turned back, though, feeling very good and wanting to make sure I wouldn't run out of water before the end (saved those trails for another day). It was much quieter today (no annoying road noises) but I didn't see any wildlife, unfortunately. Encountered the three section hikers on the way back and talked to "Zenith" while resting at an amazing vista. Made it as far as the Allentown Shelter quickly and was planning to keep going until I heard voices. When I ventured over to see who was there, I ended up spending 45 minutes talking to "The Lover" and a local couple who were taking an overnight hike on the weekend before their marriage. Great to spend time with kindred spirits. Had a great conversation and actually didn't want to leave. But it was actually getting dark in the woods when I started back towards my car. Only saw a couple more people before I finished my 20 mile day. Finished my last swig of the three liter reservoir just as I crossed route 309. Drove into Tamaqua, ate dinner [at Skipper Dippers at 2010] and found a place to stay (Pines Motel at 1955) north of town. Planning to tackle some more trails tomorrow! AT Today = 9.81 miles / Grand Total = 486.87 miles