May 2, 2012 Day 9 — Kulpsville to Quakertown (17 miles)

Pique-nique à la français

Again I wake up to the haunting sound of falling rain, but unlike yesterday’s morning deluge, this one persists. Within an hour I’m thoroughly soaked, but warm and happy to discover that sneakers with superior socks (the $11/pair kind) do work. So do all those modern hiking fabrics. Today’s route is literally and geographically a straight shot due north on old scenic Allentown Road. The route starts off wide (it’s near civilization) and progressively narrows and deteriorates (we’re no longer in Paris but in the provinces). The sidewalks slowly disappear and then the road’s shoulders follow in empathy. What eventually is left (the road itself) appears to be disintegrating at the edges by truckers who prefer this parallel option to the Northeast Extension (no tolls). My jobs becomes quite rudimentary–watch out for oncoming traffic, yield quickly by stepping aside, and try to move forward in between those two moments. My survival instincts kick in big time. What is it with America’s addiction for big vehicles going at breakneck speeds on small country roads? (Brother Robert, breathe in, breathe out. I remember your words like a mantra: “Be safe!”) My Belgian friend and former Shipley colleague Colette graciously offers me “un pique-nique à la française malgré la pluie et la distance qui nous sépare.” I graciously accept. I’m elegantly and more than adequately fed. I’m so grateful for this European scene in “La Pennsylvanie Profonde.” With Colette, it’s always an opportunity to eat well and laugh a lot. We do both. Fortified and totally re-energized, I find the afternoon’s 7.5 miles a mere appetizer on the Camino de Nathaniel mileage menu. Sorry, no profound thoughts today during my meanderings except one persistent thought–stay alive. I know you wholeheartedly approve of that one. Mileage to date: 113