Date: 2023-06-03
From: Campsite with View beyond Kirkridge Shelter

To: Backpacker's Campsite off Douglas Trail
Miles today: 11.4

I woke up around 5:20, in time to head to the view to see the sunrise. It was to the right of the trail going northbound, like Kinter View several days ago. Also like Kinter View, it wasn't to the east. We got a few colors to see at the view for the sunrise.I started hiking at 7:15 again. There were plenty of instances of rocks sticking out of the ground every which way. I growled through some of them for slowing me down. Then again, I was also annoyed by several dayhikers -- having the right of way, and for whom I waited -- for delaying my access to town food. I did not growl at them. There were also a couple stretches of road walks, and a few overlooks of the town and the Delaware River. I arrived to Delaware and Main streets around 9:30.First stop was Church of The Mountain, where I took a shower. Some were curious about the bandage on my forehead.I left my pack there and headed to the bakery on Broad St. I got a bacon, avocado, and cheese breakfast sandwich with a peach, chocolate covered s'more, and piece of chocolate fudge with M&Ms on top. All delicious, and they had pie! I would be back later.I hit up the Sunoco and recharged my device while buying a few low sugar drinks with vitamins, and resupply items. The cashier gave me a free banana.I stopped at the outfitter store. They have limited supplies, but I got a couple freeze dried meals, trail meal bars, a bottle of Gatorade Zero, and a new pair of liner socks. My old ones got all torn up from hiking through all the rocks.I returned to the church to organize food, give a donation, and, not feeling hungry anymore, gave away my free banana. After that, I wanted to see if I could get laundry done and go to a grocery store. I messed this up big time, and should have asked others at the church. In the AT guide, I had read about a Pocono Pony bus that picks up at the Park and Ride, snd goesvto Stroudsburg, where both are present, but didn't do basic research.I tried going to the MARTA station. They CSR folk knew next to nothing about it. I walked back to town and went to the Visitor's Center across from the Park and Ride. The CSR also knew little about it, but gave me a schedule and checked some things that I should have fine on my own, like a nearby laundromat. All were miles away - in Stroudsburg. The Pocono Pony is a commuter bus during the week. Morning hours go to the Delaware Water Gap, and afternoon hours go back to Stroudsburg. I gave up on that. I recharged my phone while I was there.I went back into the center of town and had a late lunch at Sango Kura, a Japanese Sake brewery that also serves ramen dishes. I had their homemade pork ramen - delicious! I then went next door to the bakery to get a slice of mixed berry pie with crumble crust, a peach, and a chocolate bar for on the trail. All great! I also went to Doughboy's Pizza to get a side tossed salad and also got a slice of pizza. It was OK.It was getting late - maybe 6. Plunger had messaged me, saying that he and Skippy had 15 miles around 10ish. I wanted to see them, but I had only hiked about 6 miles so far today. I was itching to get back out and just see them later. So, I stopped by Zoe's Ice Cream Emporium and had an amazing hot fudge brownie sundae with scoops of vanilla and chocolate icream, walnuts, whipped cream, and a cherry. It was divine - hands down the best sundae I've ever had.Around 6:45 I returned to the church, got my pack, and was informed that I could have done my laundry at a nearby inn. There was also a posting on the wall about a shuttle driver for Walmart. I really need to be more vigilant about getting information. My AT guide might work well enough for navigation, daily hike plans, and resupply planning, but it is far from comprehensive.I got back on the trail around 7, soon crossing the bridge over the Delaware River into New Jersey. I felt excited and a little emotional about it. The last few days in PA had been rough, and I hoped things would get better. I saw in the guide that there were several shops and taverns just off some of the roads in NJ and NY along the trail, which excited me. After passing by Kittatinny Point, I generally hiked uphill with a mild slope, getting to a backpacker's campsite 5 miles past town around 8:45. I had already eaten plenty, so I set up my tent, put my smellables in the bear box, and went to sleep.