July 15: Palmerton-the Ellis hiker hostel   Miles Today : 18.9 Miles to Katahdin : 925.5

Another day, more rocks. Man this state is killing me. Apparently, the trail use to follow dirt roads that wound their way through the PA farmland. Someone, however, thought that folllowing the rock infested ridgelines would be better. Well, my feet can definitely tell you it's not better.

The walk into Palmerton, like many in this state, was uneventful. 19 miles of rock and trees. Only the last 2 miles across the ridge of an old zinc mine provided any type of views. Palmerton, however, was a very cool hiker town. Just 2 miles off the trail, the town allows thru-hikers to stay in the basement of the jail for free. Bunks and showers are provided as well, along with a secret entrance so we don't have to keep buggin the police to get in.

DB, Colorado, and I ate at this little diner called Big "S" Lunch, and it was GOOD. The hot roast beef sandwich with mashed and gobs of gravy was just what I needed. After a late lunch, we went to the jailhouse where we met up with Red, Sir P-a lot, Sage and Gepetto. I also met some new hikers, Butterfly, Gypsy, Peach Buzz and Miles. Most of us ended up playing a little whiffleball in the park next to the police station.

But that would not be my final destination for the day. My girlfriends parents, George and Debbie Ellis live only 30 minutes away and offered to put me up for the night, as well as cook me dinner, SWEET! George got to town about 7 and brought me back to Allentown where I was treated to the infamous Aunt Sue's chicken. Needless to say, I gorged myself with everything they had to offer. The food was excellent! Thanks so much for your great hospitality and putting up with my hiker stench.

Tomorrow, it's back to the grind, another 20+ day. First, however, I was told to go to Tom Sawyers, a local breakfast joint. Just how much my jounal revolves around food I wonder? Anyway, 2 days to Delaware Water Gap where I will be taking a 0 day, YAHOO! Oh yea, and the countdown to a Giardia free body is now 4 days.

-Chomp

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