Date: 2003-07-31
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

I'm outta Pennsyltucky!!! It took until 3:30 this afternoon, but it feels great to be in my eighth state! New Jersey is supposedly rocky as well, but today, only a little of it was. I woke up 7ish and did some journal writing...I'm several days behind, and having a difficult time catching up. It's hard when you spend 10+ hours a day hiking, at least 8 sleeping and 3 or 4 eating...doesn't leave much time for anything else! I took the old straps off of my backpack because I was CERTAIN that my new shoulder harness would be at the post office. I went there to find my maildrop, a package from my Mom (thanks!) and a letter from my landlady (thank you, Sarah...I really needed that.). No straps, though. I was very upset, and the woman who worked at the desk felt bad and called Duncannon for me. Apparently the package had still not even reached there. I decided to take the matter up with Gregory. I sorted out my food and bounced some ahead to Bear Mountain, NY. Went to t!he pay phone to call home and send some e-mail. I talked with a bunch of people at the hostel...Sunkist, Cruiser, Reason, Emily and VSA, then Gerri, Randy and I went to the diner for breakfast. We had a great waitress and a very yummy breakfast...finally, I was able to get my eggs poached on toast! I AM in the north! Randy and I then went to the outfitter, which didn't have Aquamira...we both needed it, but they'd run out. I was able to get a new tent stake, though, and Randy got some 100% Deet, which we have been told is necessary for the swampy areas in NJ. I called Gregory and didn't even have to get nasty with them to get them to send a new set of straps priority to my next stop. Back to the hostel to pack up and get out of this pointy-rocked state. Reason's shoes hadn't come in, and he wasn't feeling great, so he, Cruiser, VSA and the Dude decided to take a zero. I know they'll catch up again soon. Kung Fu, Vast Horizon, Lost Dog, Chick Flick and Bodhi arrive!d as we were leaving. I said my goodbyes (mixed with hellos!), we made a few last minute phone calls, then started hiking. The first mile or so was on I-80...not the most scenic, although there were mountains in front of us. We had a really easy ascent through parklands to a glacial pond, Sunfish Pond, which was quite peaceful...perfect for our break. Truthfully, nothing else of major interest happened the rest of the hike today. We discovered that NJ has some really beautiful areas...the view of the Delaware River from the mountain we were on was amazing! We also ran into the rocks of NJ in the last 5 miles or so...my feet say "Ow! Enough already!" I believe we have at least one more rocky day ahead, but that could be just a vicious rumor. We're tenting at the Mohican Outdoor Center tonight, where thru-hikers can camp for free. I was able to cajole the caretaker into selling me sodas after the camp store had already closed. We drank them, set up camp, ate a light dinner (we just didn't feel hungry) and hit the tents. I'm tempting !fate tonight by leaving my rain fly open, even though we've had a few sprinkles tonight...it's so much cooler in the tent that way. I'm falling asleep typing this so I will bid you goodnight!