Palmerton, PA (USA)

[Finished PA today! I was up before 0500 but the sub-freezing temps delayed my departure. Got breakfast (McDonalds in Hometown - 0725) and then retraced last night's drive (Tamaqua to Palmerton). I was parked at the Superfund Trailhead by 8:00 and I trekked NOBO to where I turned around last night. It was brisk but the sun was shining brightly and it was great hiking weather! I backtracked to PA-248 and crossed the Lehigh River so I could climb back up on the opposite ridge. The grade was 1000 feet per... mile, so I took frequent breaks. Had a great conversation with two guys at the shelter about halfway up the hill before I continued to the top. There were lots of people camping overnight and the smell of cannabis was quite strong near a few of the sites. Almost nothing delayed me on this last segment and I turned around at Lehigh Furnace. It was great to accomplish my goal for the weekend and I quickly returned the way I'd come. There were lots of deer out today and a few day hikers. I stopped to talk to Critter/Deja(Through) for a bit - she was on her third AT through hike (but first one SOBO). I had actually greeted her by her campfire last night (in the dark, near Little Gap Road) and perhaps I will see her again in Virginia over the next few months... Three day hikers I met near the woodpecker trail warned me about a copperhead snake on the trail but I didn't see it, fortunately. I finished at 1300 (after a little more than 12 mile) and immediately headed for home. It started raining soon afterwards (lucky I stayed dry on the trail!). As a result of the deteriorating weather and lots of construction, it took me 4.5 hours to get back to my apartment (used back roads - without a map - but found PA-143 and then got on I-78). I got gas in Shartlesville at 1410, then used I-81, I-83, PA-581, US-15, I-270, I-495 - messy... Oh well - last drive for AT in PA! AT Today = 5.80 miles / G.T. AT = 538.44 miles]