Date: 2006-07-13
From: Wind Gap, PA / Gateway Motel

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA / Super 8 Motel
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a great night last night, staying up late with Kentucky and Birkenstock. Brighteyes passed out early, while we were up till 330am. Its a rare thing on the trail to be up much past 10pm, some people even go to bed before 9pm. Ive always been one to stay up atleast till 10pm, since I try to type my journal entries each night. Lately though Ive slacked off a bit, as you might have noticed if you follow my journal.Ive really enjoyed hiking with Birkenstock and Kentucky. I know Kentucky is doing big miles till he reaches Pawling, NY. Birkenstock's girlfriend is coming to visit him, so there is a better chance Ill get to hike with him in the near future. Hopefully timing will work out right, and the 3 of us will find each other sooner than later.We finally left around 1130am. We had 15 miles to go till we reached Delaware Water Gap. The terrain was supposed to be flat once we made the initial climb out of Wind Gap. However, I knew that there would be some rocks to contend with. Rocks there were, but I didnt have a problem making my way over them. I was able to maintain my 3.5-4mph pace, and felt the mosquitos were more of an issue to me than the rocks. Luckily 100% deet does work on them, and wearing sunglasses tight to my face helps defend my eyes from the gnats that like to fly in them.I took a break at Wolf Rocks, at the great trail magic cooler left near Fox Gap, and at Kirkridge Shelter. It was hot and humid, and the bugs were bad, but the rocks started giving way to actual trail. It felt nice to walk on the ground and not really have to plan every stop around or ontop of a rock. My boots definitely paid off through this section, even considering the blistering that I delt with when I first got them.On the descent down into Delaware Water Gap, I took one short break at Lookout Rock. From there you look across the Delaware River and into New Jersey. It felt good to see my homestate for the first time after leaving back in March. It felt very accomplished knowing I had walked to here from Georgia. I remember first stepping foot on the AT just across the river, imagining what it must be like to walk to this point from Springer Mtn. Now I know.I arrived in town just in time for the Thursday night hiker feed at the Church of the Mountain. They operate a hostel for hikers, and have the feed each Thursday. Fortunately they had plenty non-meat items to eat, and great brownies for dessert. I met a few parishoners and church leaders, and thanked them for the effort and hospitality.Im glad I made it on Thursday not just for the hiker feed, but because I got to see some familiar faces that I hadnt seen in a while. Most of all, Able Jack who I hadnt seen since leaving Shenandoah National Park. He is getting off the trail from here sad to say. Money is a big reason why people leave the trail, especially those who have come this far. Pretty much everyone who quits at this point either have injury issues, or have just run out of cash. I wish I was well off to the point that I could give him money to finish his hike. Ill do an Able Jack special entry one of these days to tell you more about him.I also saw Puffy and Cheeto. I hadnt seen them since Duncannon, PA a couple weeks ago. They are still in good spirits, and hopefully Ill get to hike with them soon. I thought some friends were going to make the trip up here from southern NJ, but they were unable to. I called my girlfriend and asked her if she wanted to bring my dog out with her, and get a motel room nearby. She agreed, and we plan on heading to her place for the weekend. Birkenstock got a ride with us to the motel, and awaited the arrival of his girlfriend. Im looking forward to spending the weekend with Linda and Chloe. Ill get to go to the outfitters and get some gear issues resolved, play golf with Linda on Saturday, and then head back to the trail on Sunday somewhere in NJ.