Day 18 - Long run day

Out the door a little after 7 a.m. It was cold but no wind. I was running by myself until 9 a.m. where I would hook up with some other runners at the Hamburg Reservoir. The run started with a down hill road section to the Bartram Trail in Hamburg. From there it is 2 miles until the Appalachian Trail crosses in Port Clinton. While running on the Bartram Trail I passed a friend Brian running with his dog. He was on his way back to the parking lot where he started. To get off of the Bartram Trail you have to go down a step little section and then go through the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad Company's property.

A side view of the new bridge in Hamburg

Bartram Trail heading to the AT

The Bartram Trail with the sunrise

Once you get through the little town of Port Clinton the trail run's along the Schuylkill River. Then you go under the Rt. 61 bridge, cross Port Clinton Ave. and then the climb starts. The climb goes up about 800 feet in just over 2 miles to the top of the mountain. You really warm up on this section.  On top of the mountain you can look down on the town of Hamburg and see all the development over the last couple of years(Cabala's, Lowe's and soon Walmart) While running back to the reservoir I knew I wouldn't make it back in time to meet the group if I stayed on the AT.  I headed down a lower trail that goes to the same place but takes away a big climb away.

The view from the AT

Appalachian Trail

Looking down at Cabela's Lowe's and Walmart

Arriving in the parking lot at 9:01 the group was there and ready to run.  We headed back up the mountain running on the AT, Al's short cut where I tripped and fell, AT, Red Trail, Blue Trail, Spring Trail and back on the AT and out to the Pinnacle. We regrouped at the Pinnacle and looked around, got a group photo and back on the AT. On the way back Dan picked up the pace and we were flying over some rocky sections and it felt great. We regrouped back at Pulpit Rock, headed down the road hill to the red trail and back to the parking lot. I said go bye to everyone and ran back home. Great trails and great friends make a great way to start the day.

Lori, Kallie(dog), Dean, Joanne, Dan, Beth, Pete, Libby and Andy

Lori, Kallie(dog), Dean, Joanne, Dan, Beth, Me, Libby and Andy

12-18-2010 - 20.5 miles - 4:25 - run - around 2000 ft. elevation