Day 115

6/29/21 Spent last night in a hotel with my sister. Paula with the assistance of my brother Allen got a hotel for Friday night and a shuttle there. Nothing was available in Hamburg,PA where the AT goes to the border of that town so they found a place about 30 minutes from there. It’s July 4th weekend so things are booked. Had the hotel breakfast and went to Subway before hitting the trail again where Paula and I came off. Hard to say goodbye to Paula as I was expecting to be with her for 3 more days. She tried hard but was bruised and sore and really couldn’t continue. I appreciate her trying backpacking and most people wouldn’t have even attempted what she did. Reminds me of my mother which is quite a compliment. I know she feels bad but she shouldn’t. Got on the trail around 11:30 AM and it was already terribly hot and humid with temps in the 90’s. Initially climbed up to the ridge which wasn’t bad and then the trail was fairly flat. I was expecting it to be rocky but it was quite smooth. Carried lots of water 3.75 liters which is 8.25 pounds as I knew there would be little if any water until I got to the shelter. One spring was flowing nicely with orange water but Guthook said it shouldn’t be consumed because it was contaminated from previous coal mining. Passed an old coal mining settlement which is now a campsite so I signed the register in the mailbox. Saw an approximately 2 foot black snake retreating into its burrow right in the center of the trail. Took a picture of it and I think it’s an Eastern Rat Snake but no internet service to check iNaturalist. Also saw a wood frog as I got to the stream just prior to the shelter. The second section of the hike was nice in a forest with Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron saw a few still blooming. Reminded me of what I saw in Virginia. Made good time and I saw 6 hikers and actually passed them!! Listened to music which I think improves my pace. In the heat the rocks in the shade look wet as other hikers have told me they “are sweating”. Set up camp at the Raush Gap Shelter. Met a young woman doing a long section of the AT. Lots of military jets flying over the old coal mining town. Could have done more miles but started late and got to my destination. Tomorrow plan to hike 17.5 miles. Part of the trail has been rerouted due to flooding from a beaver dam but I doubt I will need to bypass the section as it has been dry. Plan to start to increase mileage hiked daily around 20 miles per day after next resupply.