501

Date: 6/4/04

Starting Location: Swatara Creek
Destination: 501 Shelter
Miles: 11.3
Total Miles: 1187.8

Not much sleep last night with the road noise, even with my earplugs. It's a nice day to walk though, in the 70s again and sunny all the way to the fully enclosed 501 shelter where I got talked into staying the night after a short day, to celebrate one section-hiker's 2000th mile. This was even better because after only one day of no problems, my new pack has quickly fallen apart with 2 pieces of webbing ripped clear through, 1 broken zipper, and load lifter straps that don't lock off. Translation: 25 lbs on my shoulders and not my hips the last 2 days, and a pack that is dying fast. Can anyone say: "Return it and try a different one altogether?" After 2 quick phone calls at the shelter, I sure could. The new pack awaits me about a week up the trail in Delaware Water Gap. I hope this one makes it that far...