Hawk Mtn. Rd to Bake Oven Knob Road

Day 19

Saturday, April 16
Hawk Mountain Road to Bake Oven Knob Road
16.4 miles

We had arranged with another AT Women’s Group volunteer to shuttle us today.  Joann Pilston picked us up at Bake Oven Knob and took us to Hawk Mountain Road. 

North of Hawk Mountain Road proved to be rockier than ever.  After Allentown shelter trail became forestry road and less rocky for rest of the way.  The views from Dan’s Pulpit, Knife's Edge and Bear Rocks were memorable.  Especially Knife’s Edge.  We had heard about it from the hiker in 501 Shelter who had come through here on a very windy day. He told us how he could have very easily been blown off the edge.  It did prove to be quite an experience making our way across the boulders on such a then edge, but we passed a family with 3 small little girls and small dog who seemed to be having no trouble at all.   One of the girls said to us, “I’m doing this all by myself and I’m only five.”  So much for making me feel better about being nervous. 

When we reached our vehicle, we drove into Palmerton and found Bert's Steakhouse for dinner. It’s a cute little diner on the main street.  The food was good. 

We drove to the home of John Stempa, Mechanical Man, planning to stay in his garage.  When we got there, guess who we found?  King Bob and GW from James Fry Shelter way back at the beginning of PA.  They had stayed there the night before and were still out on the trail when we arrived.  We set up our tent in his yard.

 

 

 

 

 

Going up to Knife's Edge

 

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On Knife's Edge

 

 

Knife's Edge

 

Knife's Edge

 

Knife's Edge