AT Eckville to Smith Gap 9/16-18

**Gris** · 09-04-2011, 12:45

With all the rocks in this section I have opted for shorter mileages. During two of my last three section hikes it has rained and the rocks don’t get any easier. Here is what I came up with for the trip. Day one 14 miles to New Triopli camp site, day two 12miles to Palmerton, and 12 miles to Smith Gap on day three. I am still trying to work out shuttle logistics. If anybody is interested in going along just let me know I would be glad to have the company.
Peace,
Gris

**Chop** · 09-05-2011, 12:00

Hey Gris...we should see you out there. I don't have that section of the guidebook on me...is that plan south or northbound? What mile marker (AT) would that be? Look forward to seeing you out there. - Beardo

**Gris** · 09-05-2011, 17:42

Beardo,
Sorry for the confusion. The plan as of today is to travel NOBO from mile 1223.3 (Pa State game lands parking lot 1 mile south of Eckville shelter) to mile 1261.7 Smith Gap rd. I plan on parking my truck at John Stempa’s on the morning of 9/16, then getting shuttled back to Eckville and on the trail by 9:00am to start my hike. As of right now I still haven’t found a way back to Eckville but I haven’t given up yet. I still need to try to get a hold of Ken at Blue Mountain B&B and see if he can shuttle me. You and Sweet Pea keep your heads up swimming the AT over this coming week with what’s left of tropical storm Lee on the way

.
Peace,
Gris

**Chop** · 09-11-2011, 15:31

It's been wet, for sure!

**Chop** · 09-15-2011, 07:51

Hi Gris,

Unable to send a pm for some reason. Are you staying in palmerton, the town or camping outside?

We are passing DWG town today.

**Gris** · 09-15-2011, 08:25

Beardo, Everybody in my family is sick with a cold (including me) so I will have to pass on the hike. I can still offer help further south. If you and Sweet Pea need anything just let me know and I will do my best to make it happen. Thanks for keeping us updated on your posthole journal, my kids and I have enjoyed following your adventure.
Peace,
Gris

**Chop** · 09-15-2011, 19:29

Sorry to hear about everyone being sick

nights are supposed to be cool out here for the next week, so probably best to stay in. Hope all feel better!

**Atreus** · 09-20-2011, 20:33

I don't think he's really sick, just afraid that hitting that section will bring more rain. Gris and I hit Port Clinton to Eckville and cut the trip short due to nasty weather.

**Chop** · 09-23-2011, 19:10

It just got nasty again today. Pretty close to Duncannon and the sky let loose fiercely early today. Mercy, we got soaked!

It has been a few days of walking around in fog....