Date: 2013-06-16
From: Campsite at about mi 1,260.0

To: Deer Head Inn, Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 29.3
Weather: broken clouds

From camp, which was about 2 miles north of Blue Mountain Dr. and on a flat ridge line, I was approximately 14 miles west-south west of Wind Gap, where I planned to be for lunch, before hiking to the major benchmark of Delaware Water Gap. The AT between these two points is deceptively easy when looking at the topographic profile, which was a straight line. The AT between these two points the limb of another plunging fold, along a mix of rough rocky terrain and soil. By early noon I made it to the busy junction of PA33 and 115 at Wind Gap. I sat on a nearby patch of lawn and consumed some candy, before finally motivating myself to make the 3-mile walk down the main strip into Wind Gap. I stepped into a virtually empty Sports Bar and Grill, where I plugged in my phone and sat at the Bar. I ordered a hamburger, fries, and two beers. I had forgotten, being on the trail, that it was Father's Day. I spent a good hour enjoy delicious food, which included a dessert at the end. I ended up hiking back 3 miles to the trailhead in the early afternoon, making the typical steep ascent back onto the ridge I was on earlier. I had 15 miles, all of it flat, with 2 miles of descent into the Delaware Water Gap. Along a long section of road bed, northeast of Tots Gap, I caught up to a group of three young male through hikers, whom I remember as Beacon, Ebow, and Froto Feet. Beacon, was particularly tall and capable of taking long power strides. He hiked in front of his group, typically a good quarter mile, maintaining a steady clip of perhaps 5mph. My fastest pace of 4mph was barely a match to his relentless pace. Mt. Minsi was nothing more than a flat field of random slabs of rock which the AT skirted to an amazing view of the DWG about 1,100 vertical feet below. I took off ahead of Beacon and his group heading down steep, sometimes ledgy single track which criss crossed the easier path that day hikers took to the summit. At the bottom, the AT followed Mountain Road to Main Street, which offered places to stay and eat. I first headed to Church of the Mountain Hostel a short distance down Main. It was loaded, with an option to sleep in an open shelter around the back. I opted to find a better place to stay, but introduced myself to thru hikers at the hostel, and enjoyed a shower. A young couple with a dog that I met back at the Pavilion in Port Clinton, recognized me. I asked them how on earth did they get ahead of me, since I left Port Clinton before them and did not see them pass. The confessed to hitch hiking and said they'd have to find accommodations for their dog. The rocks of PA had finally taken their toll on the poor animal, if not the day after day relentless distance and mal-nurishment. They were arranging to take their dog to a friends place before heading back to the trail. I also recollect a young fair complexion woman with glasses who went by the trail name of War Cry. I ended up checking in to the old (but remodeled) Deer Head Inn for 100.00/night. I payed for the room down at the bar, then carried my gear up the narrow stair well out of the bar, three floors up to a spectacular room with view of the town. I enjoyed a second shower, before heading down the hill of Main Street to the Sycamore Grill, where several hikers had ordered dinner at the bar. I enjoyed another hamburger, salad, fries, and beer. I was satiated and thoroughly spoiled.