2014-05-18: Middle Ridge Road

Start: Tumbling Run Shelter

Stop: Middle Ridge Road

Day's Mileage: 16.3 miles

Trip Mileage: 24.6 miles

If I see Bogey at all during the day, this is my view: she's ahead of me. In this instance, we're ascending the first mountain of the day. The Trail is still muddy and slippery from the five inches of rain the area received just prior to the weekend. Mist hangs in the air and it's humid. Thankfully, it's not that hot, yet.

Tada! I made it to the first scenic overlook! If you're lucky, you'll get such views a couple times a day. Most of the time, however, you're surrounded by trees and brush and all you see is more trees and brush.

The camera rarely captures how impressive the views are. I'm using my smartphone camera for most shots simply because it's more convenient. However, I'm also carrying a Hero 3+ GoPro Black Edition camera for wider shots and video.

Some road crossings have signed telling you what road you're crossing and/or what's nearby. In this case, there's a small town to the right but, alas, it seems their post office is closed.

The Trail, delineated by lumber and logs and filled in with stones and gravel. Such construction usually indicates where the Trail is passing through an area that is boggy or prone to erosion.

Bogey, thoroughly enjoying our hike. We soon discover that when we're included in photos, it such that I have the pictures of her and she has the pictures of me. At some point, we'll have to trade or share photos.

Ugh. Nature.

Yes, there's a trail here. Pennsylvania is known for its rocks. I find the sections of such rocks especially difficult because there's no obvious footpath. Luckily, it's Trail protocol and tradition to mark the trail using a white blaze -- a splash of white paint 2 inches wide and 6 inches long. White blazes are commonly painted on trees but can be found on rocks, wooden posts, roadside sign posts, and even highway guardrails.

One of many creeks and streams we cross. In this case, there was a bridge. In other cases we will use stones strategically placed by the local hiking club, or a fallen log. In some cases, one simply has to slog through the water.

The Trail isn't always rocky paths and meandering footpaths through the woods, In this case, it's a gravel path and very easy to find and follow.

The AT sometimes follows old Forest Service roads.

This view is reminiscent of scenes from Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina -- a tunnel through large rhododendrons (and uphill!). It pleased me to once again see such scenes.