Rausch Gap Shelter

Mile 1,176.2
Elevation 1,106.0 feet 
Miles Hiked 18.0

Last night, when I turned in for the night, it was just me, a SOBO through hiker and his dog.  At 2:15 AM two SOBO through hikers came into the shelter with lights glaring.  You would think anyone out hiking that late would head right to bed, but no, not these guys.  They started a campfire, fixed something to eat and had a lively discussion while eating.  About 3:00 AM they finally went to bed but not before I had some words with one of them about his light shining in my face.

I woke up at 6:00 AM.  I was not quiet.  After breakfast and other morning chores,  I said bye to Shep and his dog and headed out.  It was going to be a long day with 18 miles to the next shelter.

Have I mentioned the weather?  It’s been hot since I arrived ten days ago.  In fact, this has to be a near record heat wave for Pennsylvania.  Today, the high temperature was forecast to be 96 degrees.  It was 93 in the early afternoon.  The heat and humidity were oppressive and sapped my energy.  This was not a fun day to hike.

Having completed my weather rant, I still made good time with only one mishap.  One of my new carbon fiber trekking poles had the tip break off.  I extended the length of the pole and continued to use it.  I arrived at the shelter just before 6:00 PM.  No one else is here.  Let’s see if that changes later tonight.