Rocky Raccoon
Rocky Balboa, the famous Sylvester Stallone movie boxer, came from Philadelphia. Then it should be no surprise that the main feature of the Pennsylvania trails we're finding are rocks. The trail is very rocky for long stretches and difficult to negotiate. One of the other hikers I met described them as bear's ears and knife edges which is pretty accurate. Bill Bryson says in his book that Pennsylvania is the place boots come to die. On this point, I guess I agree with him. Hiking the trail here I have the Beatles Rocky Raccoon stuck in my head. This turns out to be pretty apt as you will see as you read on. 5/29 Swatara State Park to Pine Grove, PA - 13 miles It's time to get back on the trail and for a short day. The weather is overcast and a bit foggy in the morning, but it's not supposed to rain so we should stay relatively dry. Angelika and I set out from the trailhead. We start climbing to the crest of Blue Mountain which is a relatively short climb but ste...