Eckville Shelter, PA to Jailhouse Hostel, Palmerton, PA: Daily miles 24.8, Total miles 1247.9
Slept well inside last night and got out at a better time than the past few days. It was another day of mixed rain and sunshine. The infamous PA rocks seemed to start today. Not as bad as the rumors, but pretty rocky. It made the hike more interesting. I met Hannah again for lunch about halfway and she had soup waiting for me. It’s so nice having a hot lunch from time to time. Hiked the last 15 miles and met Hannah a few miles from the end. She had met some hikers who gave her a trail magic beer for me. I drank the beer as we walked back to the car. The hike had some long boulder fields and some decent views with no big climbs so it was nice. We ate at Burger King and drove into Palmerton to stay at a free hostel. The city lets backpackers stay in the basement of some community building for free and it has showers and heat so it’s a really great deal. You have to register with a cop before you go in so it is known as the “Jailhouse hostel”. Hannah and I went to register and the police station was closed. We waited over an hour for a cop to let us in, but after a shower it was worth it. We have the place to ourselves. It’s a little eerie in this big building but really nice. With all the luxury lately I am starting to feel I’ve gone soft. We’re taking a short day and getting a hotel tomorrow since it’s Hannah’s last day here. I will be forced back to big days and regular trail life when she leaves, but between her and my folks, it has been great having visitors.
