Date: 2012-07-02
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: US 206, Culver Gap
Miles today: 17.9

SOS here:To day was a great hiking day no rain and mild temperatures.Yesterday was my last hiking day in Pennsylvania. I spent most of yesterday in New Jersey hiking because I hiked against the grain. I felt like Dorothy in the Wizard of OZ; all I needed was Toto to deliver the famous line to and change the name of the state. "Toto I don't believe were in Pennsylvania anymore." There was still some rocks but not like Pennsylvania - Praise the Lord. As usual when hiking against the grain I would see many of my thru hiker friends. I saw more people on the trail than ever before - the number grew greater as I got closer to the Delaware Water Gap National Park Recreation Area. The final stretch of yesterdays hike was crossing the Delware River on Interstate 80 that is right I said Interstate 80. It was difficult to follow the blazes. I realized just before you started across the river from NJ to PA that I needed to be on the opposite side of the road. Luckly there was an exit ramp just before you reached the river and I was able to go down and do a human u-turn and get over to the otherside. When I arrived in Delaware Water Gap PA I stopped at Zoe's Ice Cream and had a strawberry shake and drank it in Boots' honor for polishing off PA. Pennsylvania now makes seven states down and seven to go but was 200 miles past half way.Today I spent the day leap frogging with Connect 4, Breezy and Bucket. Breezy hiked at least three miles with me towards the end of the day. Breezy is a fellow United Methodist whose father and Grandfather were Methodist Pastors. Breezy conducts the bell chior at Gainsville FL First UMC. It was great to hike with her and share stories. Breezy is also a music teacher at the elementary level. She shared the story that she was called by God to be a teacher when vacationing with her family at Lake Junaluska NC.I shared with Breezy my calling to raise funds for the Youth Camps in the Indiana Conference. Breezy took information so she could make a pledge.Many incredible views into the valleys today - but the most interesting thing that happened today is when I climbed a fire tower 74 steps and just as got to where it was locked and could go no higher - a telephone started ringing inside the tower where the observe would stay. I wish I could have been able to anwser the phone that would have shocked the caller at the other end.Trail Mama and I had trouble making connections tonight because the trail was not well marked at the road crossing - thank God for cell phones and for Trail Mama's patience.The miles are piling up. Want to be under 600 before I head back to IN for Grandma Camp.Time to go to bed keep praying for Trail Mama and I. Trail Mama here: Today was moving day again so after SOS started out, I moved on down the road in search of our next spot. I came to a town with a Marshall's, a Kohl's, and a Home Goods (one of my favorite stores) and to show you how tired I am...I didn't stop at ANY of them...just at A.C. Moore to get picture frame supplies for Grandma Camp and then started on down the road. I was hungry and decided to stop at a country store restaurant. When I parked my car...the very expensive convertible next to me was running with no person inside. I was inside for about 1/2 hour and when I was paying my bill, the man who was also paying said he noticed my AT shirt and wondered if I wanted to read his newspaper that had an article about the AT. I did and we walked out together. He was the owner of the expensive car and said that he leaves it running for his two dogs inside! One of his dogs, a poodle named Midnight, who looked just like my Alfie that I had years ago, had been on TV with him and kids recognized him. Driving on, I soon saw a huge billboard with the man's picture on...he owned a car dealership and must be doing well! I got to Stokes State Park where we had planned to camp in our tent if they didn't have a cabin available. (They told me you could only rent cabins by the week but if one was available on Monday we could rent it for a shorter period of time). When I checked in they said I could rent cabin #10 for 3 days. The price had jumped 1/2 again..from 45 (listed in the 2012 book) to 65 so that did not make me happy. But on I drove and drove and drove to get to the cabin. This is not a typical state park. The cabins were at least 5 miles from the office and in a different location. It was difficult to find but with the help of a nice man I got there. The cabin has a set of bunk beds and two bunk style beds on the floor...it also has a kitchen and a bathroom but no shower. I read awhile and then took a short nap before time to get SOS. I got on the wrong road going out and when I tried to back up and get on the right road...I hit a tree!!!!! Bummer...now we have a big crumple in the back bumper..:-( And just yesterday I was thinking about how many 100's of miles I have driven with no problems...) The highlight of my day came when I went to the grocery and then stopped on impulse at a road side stand to get fruit. Who should be there and be as surprised as I was but GQ and Maxis!!!! It made my day to see them looking so good...lots more hair...but looking good! They had a ride back to the trail so we talked a bit and went on our way. I had trouble finding SOS but with the help of some local people and the cell phone call from him, I located him and then here came Bucket and then here came Connect 4 and Breezy. They were all looking for food and then shelter for the night. SOS and I went back to the cabin, showered and went to an Italian restaurant to eat. We had a great meal and then back to the cabin to wait for daughter Megan (Mini Mama) and Jon (Surefoot) to arrive. They got there before dark which was a good thing because the path to the cabin is one rocky, rutted uphill climb...difficult in daylight...We all settled in for the night...no road name today...