We saw a wild turkey on the road as we approached the parking at Clarks Valley. The trail started as a long gradual uphill on an abandoned forest road with an elevation gain of approximately 1,000’. Our first major landmark was at 3.2 mi. where the Horseshoe Trail, which originates in Valley Forge, terminates at the AT after 121 mi. The AT continued on the side of Second Mountain with almost no elevation change and few rocks. We were passed by one thru hiker, then three others thru hikers we met yesterday caught up with us in the morning. We leap frogged each other for the next five miles until they stopped at Rausch Gap. The temperature had dropped to 70º F and the rain had started and then increased in intensity to the point we needed to put on our rain gear. We actually ate lunch on a rock under a tree that offered some protection but our peanut butter sandwiches were somewhat soggy by the time we finished.
We continued in the rain on a really well maintained section that included rock staircases, two rock bridges, a stream crossing with large rocks allowing us to be above the water, and two double plank board bridges. We noticed that several sections of the trail were lined with poison. The sun finally came out 2 miles from the finish. The last part of the trail took us out to a meadow, then back into the woods with an unexpected uphill as part of the last 1.4 miles. Close to the finish Jerry found a baby bird not able yet to fly in the shrubs close to the finish.
Earlier we had planned on dinner at Ruby Tuesday in Lebanon, but as we pulled into the parking lot we noticed a Golden Carrol. That was that. We immediately changed plans and ate there instead enjoying the buffet selections and ice cream with toppings for dessert.
Jerry had been worried about his ankle which had improved but said his calves were sore. Gale had experienced some chafing under her left arm from the backpack. Klaus said his feet were sore.
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