Date: 2014-06-24
From: Wind Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a brutal battle between boots and rocks for a second day in a row. The rocks quickly gathered the upper hand in sheer quantity and sizes and it was another 12 miles of relentless pounding as my boots did their best to protect me and my feet rom total pulverization! I will give the Pennsylpainia rocks their due respect but in the end, despite some rips and tears on the front toe bumpers of my boots, the Merrells held their own and sent the rocks on their way. The day had started at 430 with not much sleep as mentioned before. I made my way over to the convienent gas station for drinks and a breakfast sandwich which tasted good. Got back to tent site where ReRun and Oliver (dog) and Twist (owner) were also getting up. I finished packing up and was on the trail by 630 with strong steep climb of 600 feet to start the day. There were few spots with views but it didn't matter much as my eyes spent most of the day glued to where my feet were going or not going to. I did take time to talk to a Sobo (southbounder) named Farmer john, an older guy who had done the PCT (Pacific Coast Trail) and was now doing parts of the AT. Got a break when the trail turned onto an old roadway at mm 1286.7 and led to the top of Mt. Minsi where a fire tower was located and where I had run into Bucket list who I talked with for a while. As I was leaving Oliver and Twist caught up and I headed down the hill. The trail went a long way and I got a couple of nice shots of the gap. I was passed by Mud and Neck Bone on the way down butcaught up with them at Zoe's ice cream place where I had a malted milk shake and was able to buy some post cards to send out. Post cards are so hard to find nowadays, but a nice way to give others an idea of what you are seeing. I got to the Church of the Mountain Hostel where Oliver and Twist were along with Brave still nursing her blisters. There was also another gentlman Oconee I had not met before. There were others but don't recall their names. The hostel is pretty funky with rudimentary bunks and a living area. It did have a shower and bathroom which were nice. It could have used a good cleaning and airing out from all of us ripe hikers. I have been hemming and hawing about doing more miles versus paying attention to the possibility of rain. I'm still a little run shy or I mean gun shy from a week ago when it rained for 5 days in a row and I had a bout of diarehha. ReRun got in at 2 and I decided to stay to shower, resupply and journal. I texted with Gray Ghost and he tells me he is doing better which makes me glad. I only wish we could get together again. I went downtown to check things out - Edge of the Woods Outfitters was limited in what they had to offer and the Village Farmer was nice but pricy. I got a hot dog and a slice of apple pie there for $2.50 which was pretty good. I then wandered back to the hostel and took a jailhouse shower which is to wash your clothes while you shower and then lay them out in the sun to dry. It's 340 and Oliver and Twist are headed out to do a few more miles before the end of the day. I will tackle the 1200 foot climb first thing in the morning while its still cool. Right now its 84 degrees and humid. ReRun has her tent out drying and I will be doing the same. After some journalling I headed back into town and got a bite to eat. Beer was good and cold but the bar tender was either paying attention to his friends or the tv and I had to get his attention on more than one occasion. Then it was back to hostel to pack up and go to bed.