Kempton, PA (USA)

[woke up a bit later - headed east on I-78 again and drove back to the top of the same ridge on Blue Mountain that I visited yesterday (approaching from a different direction). My decision to backtrack to a cheap hotel last night was financially wise but made the whole day harder, on a couple of fronts: First thing was a later start (0800); second thing was using up gas with an already unreliable gas gauge (more about that later). After finding Hawk Mountain Road (and taking a short walk in the Sanctuary), I found the trailhead about halfway down the mountain on the south side. Headed SOBO towards the Pinnacle and Pulpit Rock, hoping to avoid rocks and make good time in the already oppressive heat. I was not disappointed! Most of the trail was a packed gravel road - the section of rocks was on the high ridge and only about half of my 15+ miles today. Did better on pace (~3 miles an hour) and water (didn't run out). Didn't take a lot of pictures because I was in the zone! Encountered a couple I met yesterday, completing their two day hike from Port Clinton (I love to see the faces of hikers when I see them again!). I finished the climb with only mild physical discomfort and by (barely) avoiding a 30 person group that could have really ruined the day. Made even better time on the way down again. During the last two miles, I walked with "Little Tater", who is nearly finished with the first 1200 miles of the AT (before getting back to her Masters Degree - she will pick it up again next year). At my car, managed to get it rolling with help from strangers and made it all the way to the bottom of the hill with little difficulty (it even eventually started again - gotta love stick!). It was a good weekend: beat the heat, kept expenses low and got another big section of PA AT completed. Can't wait to go back! - emergency gas in Kempton (PA) at 1400 - drove south on PA-143 to I-78 and made great time all the way back to Maryland (I-81, I-83, PA-581, US-15) - dinner at Burger King in Thurmont (1550) and then gas fillup at Sheetz (1610) - I-270, I-495 and home by 1930 - AT Today = 7.53 miles / G.T. AT = 477.06 miles.]