Saturday-Sunday, 24-25 October

Bob sent me a message letting me know that he planned to visit the Appalachian Trail museum in Pine Grove Furnace State Park and hike to some viewpoints on Saturday. Was I interested?

The drive is a little over two hours for each of us. Bob’s original plan was for a day hike and to return home. I misunderstood and thought he planned to camp one night and return Sunday. With perfect hiking temperatures of about 60 and no chance of rain, we made plans to tour the museum when they opened at nine and then hike seven miles on the AT to James Fry Shelter and return on Sunday.

It is bow season for deer in Pennsylvania. That means blaze orange when in the woods so hunters can see us. Bob and I were a little more colorful than usual.

Our fear of “weekend warriors” was unfounded. Usually weekends are busy on the AT but after stopping for water at Tagg Run, we were the only campers at the shelter. We expected the weather to cool as the sun set but had warm gear for the night. There was a picnic table at the shelter where we enjoyed our dinner then built a small campfire and enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate.

Bob and I retired to our tents and were able to stay warm during the 30 degree night. We were up at sunrise, made some coffee and had breakfast. On the hike back, we took a side trail to Pole Steeple for some great views, the trees have just started changing colors. Lots of day hikers. From there, back to the cars for the drive home.

This short trip keeps our hiking streak alive. Bob and I started hiking together again in 2019. My Achilles shortened my earlier AT trip when I was planning to meet up with Bob. We are already planning next year’s adventures.