Date: 2014-07-16
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Rattlesnake Spring Campsite
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

AT day 93 & 94Jon, Duke and I stayed at the Church of the Gods Hostel last night. Kent couldn't stand being in the stinky, nasty hostel so he showered and set up his tent outside. I don't blame him, the hiker stench is god awful. You all should be very happy there is no way to portray smells across the internet yet. I'd liken it to gym clothes that have been sitting in a laundry basket for a week. Anyways, it started to rain and Kent walked down to the cheap hotel to stay indoors. When we got up it was rainy out. It wasn't pouring but it was supposed to as the day progressed. We all decided to take a zero while we had a place to stay and means of transportation. It's always nice to have a day to rest and relax too. Plus having to set up a tent on wet ground with a wet dog wasn't enticing. Jon and I decided to go see a movie with Carmen Sandiego and our German friends. We left Duke at the hostel so he could sleep and Kent stayed in town. It was fun doing something we can't normally do while hiking! And it's one of our favorite things to do!When we got back to the hostel Carmen Dandiego, Jon and I started a puzzle! Another favorite thing of mine. Jon left to go have dinner with Kent but we gained another partner named Blood Root to help us finish. We went to bed really late (about 10pm) but it was such a fun day I didn't care! The next day everyone was up early as always. Kent met us at the hostel and we hit the trail. We had a really nice short day planned. The weather was beautiful. It was cool with a nice breeze and the sun was out. Perfect hiking weather! We walked through DWG and crossed over a big bridge that led us into New Jersey! We are finally officially out of PA! It was exciting crossing another border! The climb out wasn't bad at all. There were lots if flat spots between the hills so we got breaks in between. Plus we walked next to a gorgeous river with deep pools and waterfalls. We all wanted to jump in and ride the wet rocks like a water slide. But we certainly didn't want to have to walk back up!When we took our break at the top of the hill we were joined by some other hikers. Too Long seemed to be walking our pace so she set back out with us and we had a great time talking and hiking! Easy Day was just ahead and we caught up to him by a big pond the trail passed. We all stopped there to check it out and thrown sticks into the water for Duke to retrieve. He was so happy! After the pond, the trail started to head up again and we got to walk through a neat section on top of the mountain! It was really pretty walking. We were in the woods on rocks but had great views to check out of the town and river below. It went by quickly having nice conversation! Unfortunately, I took another fall and screwed something up in my foot. Hopefully, it'll feel better tomorrow!Soon we arrived at the footbridge indicating we were at 1300 miles! We have less than 900 miles to go now. Pretty cool! The gravel road right after led to the Mohican Outdoor Center where we grabbed lunch and took a nice long break with our friends before finishing our day four miles later. After lunch we had a climb up to a fire tower! It was so tall! The boys went up, but I opted to stay on the ground. I have enough problems without falling down twenty flights of stairs! Seriously though, knowing me, I'd get hurt. While we were at the fire tower we collected a bunch of blackberries! They were good, but not real sweet. The black raspberries were definitely better. But it was still fun to find and eat them. About a mile later we got to where we would camp for the night. It's a nice clearing with some great flat spots, but it's very close to the road. We got there early so we all did trail baths, had dinner and set up our stuff quickly. Now it's relaxing time and for me bed. It's a little chilly tonight, so I'm nicely snuggled up in my bag!