Date: 2018-06-16
From: Deleware Water Gap

To: Campsite
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: overcast clouds

The trail crossed over the Delaware River on I-80, hitting the PA/NJ line at the center point. That makes 7 states down and 7 to go! It is moments like this that I miss Which Way the most. I wish she could be here so that we could celebrate these milestones together. After the long and noisy walk over the bridge, the A.T. passes by the Kittatinny Visitor Center and crosses under I-80. After 1.5 miles of walking on concrete, the trail enters the Northington State Forest at Dunnfield Creek. This area is a popular destination for day and weekend hikers. The morning air was cool and the path was easy as I began the moderate ascent to Kittatinny Mountain. I eased along, listening and watching for signs of wildlife. Something was rustling in the brush next to the trail. It was another porcupine. This one was much larger than the one I saw at the shelter. To my surprise, it climbed 30 feet up a tree and waited for me to move along. The first waypoint on the trail was Sunfish Pond. A rocky path circumnavigated the large pond. I heard another rustling noise in the thick undergrowth lining the now, narrow path. This time it was a big brown snake. I could only see its thick body coiled up where the rock and vegetation came together. In the water I saw some really big tadpoles hugging a muddy rock. After the trail reached the rocky summit of Kittatinny Mountain, it continued along a partially open ridge. The path was only about a foot wide as it continued for miles along a ridge. Thick undergrowth and grass brushed up against my legs as I walked along the narrow path. At least it was dry.After a quick 10 miles I descended to the Mohican Outdoor Center (MOC). Several other thru hikers streamed in as I enjoyed a Club Sandwich and picked up a few resupply items. After lunch the trail climbed out of the valley and again continued along a rugged ridge. By now, the temperature was in the 80's and there was no breeze. The trail sometimes shared old forest roads providing some relief from the mostly rocky path. There were several vistas along the ridge. I took a side trail to a view of Fairview Lake, a resort in the valley below. I longed to be swimming in the cool water or riding in one of the sailboats.When I hit the trail again it was about 4:30PM. I pulled out a Cliff Bar in hopes of getting an energy boost for the final push. I was approaching a road crossing and, just as I was about to remove the wrapper from the Cliff Bar, I noticed a car parked at the gate. There appeared to be other hikers congregated around the vehicle. Yes - Trail Magic compliments of Mosey & Speed Racer! I passed on the PBR and went straight for the chips and hummus, washed down by a cold Gatorade. For dessert, I scarfed down a nice slice of watermelon.This gave me the energy boost I needed to finish the last few miles of my hike. I ended up at a campsite adjacent to a small stream. Backwards Hat and his friend set up camp here as well. I¢m not sure what exit in the NJ Turnpike this is, but I like it!Peace & Blessings¢Next StepElevation Data: n/aAscent - 3,229Descent - 2,280Grade - 4.7Weather:Day - 82 / SunnyNight - 58 / Partly CloudyOver the Horizon: Bear Mountain, NY