Date: 2012-06-27
To: The end for now
Miles today: 0.0

After Wind Gap we made our way to Delaware water gap, which is right on the PA/NJ border. This town was very cool and was marking the beginning of the end for me. WE said our fair wells to Amy (Fire?), as it was the end of her section hike. We stayed at the church hostel in town for a day and a half. This town was really pretty, small and very nice. We gorged ourselves on treats and hot dogs at the Village Farmer Bakery as well as old style milkshakes/rootbeer floats at the malt shop.After our zero day we headed out to New Jersey and our pick up point by the Mohican outdoor center. I wrote my final entry in the register that morning at the hostel and moved on for what ended up being a VERY emotional walk and my as my last day on the trail. I said good bye to some friends along the way and was happy to be walking alone. You couldn't have asked for better hiking weather to end on. Clear skies, cool temps and a lovely breeze. I don't think I broke a sweat the whole time. My two favorite parts were walking along the shores of Sunfish pond and stopping to enjoy the view and weather on top of Kittatinny mountain. I was Really starting to regret choosing to leave the trail and starting to weigh the pros and cons.Unfortunately, I knew that finishing in time would have been a grueling push followed with coming home with little funds, bills and a day or two (if lucky) to pack my life up and head to Colorado for grad school. I didn't want to deal with all that rush and stress, especially after spending months hiking.I overshot the pick up point and had to double back about a mile where I found everyone waiting for me and float. Papa wolf was there with other members from the Wolfpack that I hadn't met yet as well as Walk n Eats. We waited about another hour for float to show and headed out to Zips (papawolf) amazing place in the Adirondacks for a 4th of July celebration.After about a 5 hour drive we got to his Beautiful 190 acre place. We pretty much hit the ground running with drinking games.....and the shit show began!!!!The next 5 days were awesome, minus a few mornings, LOL I made new friends, spent time with old ones and just kicked back and relaxed, swimming, exploring and watching movies.Afterwards, I caught a ride with Dam Yankee to Hartford, PA and caught a bus home. this was the worst idea I ever had. Buss's and the people on them AND the people who drive them SUCK! It's like DMV people working for the transit system. Miserable SOB's with attitudes, I'll never ride a bus again. I thought it would be fun to end my adventure and watch everything go by from the window. It sucked.22 hours later I got into Asheville, NC and my folks picked me up. Since then, I've been working, packing, paying bills and planning my trip west.In closing, I'd like to say that this trip was amazing! I met so many awesome people along the way, people that have left a mark and I will always remember. some I'll stay in touch with, some may fade but the memories are going to be forever. I just wish I could have finished with everyone, but that's life. I'm stoked to have met you all and to have hiked, bitched, sweated, drank and explored so much with you all. It's truly been an honor and I hope that this won't be the last time I see you all. Keep i touch and Good Luck to those of you still hiking towards Katahdin. I look forward to living out the end vicariously through you!On another note, I've enjoyed blogging so much, that I'm creating a new one for my further life adventures in Colorado. It's also an attempt to keep my political rants and raves off of Facebook and into a more suitable forum. It won't all be bitching and moaning about our politicians, more of a venue for pictures and videos for my outdoor adventures and life in general. I would like to see how my opinions and views points evolve as I move my way towards my masters degree. There will be plenty of shenanigans posted as well from daily situations and on-goings. Choose to follow if you likehttp://eriksadventuresandrants.blogspot.com/This A.T. blog is to be continued in the summer of 2014 when I graduate and take on the last 800 miles of the A.T.. Till then, get outside and enjoy your life!!!! You know I will!