Date: 2006-10-17
From: Mohican Outdoor center

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

Well, I only slept through the first alarm, and only ignored the second alarm for 30 minutes. I could tell it was starting to sprinkle so I got up and began packing up. Did not take the time to cook breakfast, just gobbled down some cookies and Combos-pizza flavored.As I was walking out of the Mohican Outdoor Center, I met Whimsey, a nobo thruhiker from VA. He was quite chatty (with a sparkle in his eye as he spoke) and gave me some good tips on places to stay or eat as I move south. He also showed me his Gee-Haw Whimsey Stick which is how he got his trail name. Its a cool magic trick and if you check out his trail journal, I imagine he has a picture of it there.I wasn't hiking long before it started to mist. I passed some other campers hiking north as I climbed up an un-named mountain to a view of the Delaware River. By this point, it was raining and really cold. I am hiking as fast as I can over these rocks and not taking any breaks even though I am getting hungry. I pass by Sunfish Pond which is one of the 7 wonders of NJ, woohoo! It is a glacial pond, whatever that means, and the water is so acidic that only a few fish species can survive. There is no swimming in the pond, not that I would want to on a day like today, but there are plenty of sharp rocks along its shoreline and some of them have been made into little rock sculptures.After leaving the pond area, the trail follows an old gravely road bed and it is a rather dull hike. I pass by two pairs of day hkers and am confused as to why they would be out hiking on a day like today. If I wasn't on a mission to make it to GA at somepoint this decade, there is no way in hell I would be out hiking this trail today. Okay, maybe if I was getting paid. I'll do just about anything for cash, but really, its a miserable day to be outside!The hike down the road bed, which was poorly blazed, did end with a nice view of Dunfield Creek for several tenths of a mile. The creek water is so clear and some of the pools are so deep. It would definitely be a nice stream to visit in the summer for swimming and fishing. The trail crosses the creek and comes up to I-80. I have to cross the interstate via an underpass and then road walk a mile or two into town. The road walk includes crossing the Delaware River via a pedestrian bridge adjacent to the interstate and it is forever long. The bridge bounces every time a large truck passes. The road walking is also extremely frustrating right now because there is absolutely no protection from the rain; its pouring and the wind is blowing it right into me. Needless to say, I am soaked and chilled straight to the bone. The bridge is the state line between NJ and PA, but I am not stopping for a photo here - it's too darn cold and wet! I press on because I know my reward wi!ll be a dry hostel, a warm shower, and a hot meal! I arrive at the Church of the Mountain Hiker Hostel and am greeted by old friends and new. Molasses, John, and B-Rad who I expected to have hiked out today, are still here and so is Goatmilk! I am so excited to finally see him again.I dry off a bit and then walk down to Doughboy Pizza with Goatmilk for the biggest Stromboli I have ever seen and it is so good. After food hits my belly, its time for a hot shower and then relaxing hanging out with the fellas. Later, Goatmilk and I head up to the gas station for some resupply and stop by the bakery for some ice cream. Back at the hostel, I make some phone calls, look at the itinerary for the next few days, then crawl into a bunk to sleep. Dad has sent me my thermarest and let me tell you it is ten times more comfortable than the ridge rest I've been using. My hip bones greatly appreciate the new added cushion! I'll sleep well knowing I have made it to my half-way state! Happy Hiking,Superstarwww.trailjournals.com/happyhiker------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com