Date: 2017-08-01
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: Backpack campsite
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: broken clouds

1. Date: Seasday, Wedmath 10 (8-01)  2. Day 98  3. Morning temp: 70  4. Weather: clear, breezy  5. Time start: 0730  6. Time stop and miles: 1706/11.7  7. End point: Backpack camp - NJ Log:I was up during the night as happens a lot out here. I rolled out at 0620 and was Oscar Mike at 0730. I wanted an early start as today was town day and I had things to do and town food to eat.I moved along pretty fast and passed Coach Sunshine (Bonnie) fairly quickly. Todays track was very nice, with lots if forest road and not too many ricky areas.I could hear I 81 as I moved along as I started to descend into the Gap.I stopped at Lenape pond for a break and finished off my salami and cheese. I cintinued along and soon I was turning into town. There is the Church if the Mountain Hiker Center within the first block and that was my first stop. This donation bases hostel had all I needed for now. I started charging my electronics and took a shower, doing a little cowboy laundry. A few other hikers came in and we had some good conversation. Lakes had read my The Trek article about pack lists from the past and remembered me. So at least one person read my article :)I headed down into town around Noon. I stopped at the Sesame Grille for a nice burger and a couple of brews, then headed to one of the gas station convenience stores which is the best of the slim pickens fir resupply and got a few things. I'm going to try and eat a couple meals along the way on this Push as I know we pass a few stores and delis.I hung out for awhile and then got everything together and headed out. It was time to leave PA and start NJ.DWG finished Push 17b. This end/beginning would be a Hero Day. You have your Zeros and your Nearos. A Hero is when you come into town, do all your chores and then head out of town all in one day. Push 18 begins.I crossed the river and entered the next state. A light rain started to fall, so I stopped in the visitor center to check it out and then moved on. The rain had stopped.As I started the climb up the ridge another hiker joined me. Sweet Boy was out for a day hike and we had a good talk. He asked me that if I could have anything I wanted, what would it be? I thought about different food items and then answered a beer. He immediately took off his pack and pulled out a Lager and offered it to me. I happily accepted it and thanked him thrice.I continued up the awesome trail passing a group of Outward Bound hikers along the way and arrived at the campsite just after 1700. This camp is huge with plenty of great sites. I found Coach and Tortoise and set up nearby. I took the beer down to dinner and shared it with Tortoise.The evening is very pleasant and I have good signal here.Tomorrow may be another easy day or I may add some mileage if I feel good. Rain is in the forecast, so that may affect some of the day's decisions.I'm really enjoying being an Outsider once again.Flora: Lilly Pads  Fauna: Blue Jay VOD: Delaware River  Smell: soap  Sound: Woodpecker, thunder in the distance  High: Town visit  Low: A small blister is forming on my little toe.  Hope: That any rain we get tomorrow is managable