Total trail mileage: 1297.3
Starting location: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Ending location: Catfish Fire Tower
Weather: 78 - 85 degrees during the day. Clear and sunny all day
I am at
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=41.046568,+-74.972783
I met up with Gerry at the bakery in the morning. After I got my
required baked goods and coffee for breakfast, Gerry came over to the
hostel to check it out. Then, he drove over to the NJ side of the
Delaware River while I walked across the bridge.
I HAVE NOW OFFICIALLY COMPLETED MY SEVENTH STATE! PA is finally over,
and I can't say I am disappointed. Yes, PA was flat, but a majority
of the time the rocks were not fun. Plus, I found the state to be
rather boring. There were some interesting sections, but the lack of
any real peaks made the hike similar day after day. So far it is my
second least favorite state, just below Maryland.
I met Gerry, Keely, and Ed at the parking lot, and the four of us
began the hike through NJ. Along the way to Sunfish Pond, we saw a
snake eating a toad, which was quite unfortunate for the toad. At
Sunfish Pond, we had lunch (Keely and Ed gave me even more food :) and
then hiked around the pond until we reached the point where the AT
splits off. So, Gerry, Keely, and Ed took a side trail to get back to
the parking lot while I continued North.
So far, I stand by my statement that the trail goes through a pretty
part of NJ. From this area, you couldn't guess the rest of the state
is the way it is (overcrowded, overdeveloped, etc.). The trail, the
forest, and the landscape have drastically changed from what I was
walking through even yesterday. It really makes me happy to be out
here. I am planning on slowing up a little through this section (and
probably through the rest of the trail).
Woohoo, there were wild blueberries on the side of the trail! I
didn't even have to compete with any bears for them :). The rasberries
should be appearing shortly as well.
I decided to set up camp right near a firetower. Sure, it is another
short day, but this allowed me to read my book for a while and then
watch the sunset from the firetower. The sunset was great, and it was
a nice place to look out at the surrounding mountains.
Hey Drew! It was great to see you this weekend :o) We all had a lot of fun. And you missed another bear! Ed spotted a little cub climbing down a tree along the fire road (it was cute, but we figured we should book it out of there asap since there wasn't sight of Mama Bear yet).
ReplyDeleteDo you have an idea how far it was to the point where we split up? I think we hiked around 10-11.5 miles round-trip. Just a small sample of your days (minus the heavy pack!). My feet were ready to give out, though, by the time we were heading into the parking lot. I give you lots of credit!
Enjoy the rest of your hike!
Hey, I know this is quite delayed...I am getting caught up on email. It was great to have you all visit. Too bad I missed the cub, but I think my 5 sightings the following day makes up for it :). I'll be done and back home before too long!
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