Flowerfield Inn, Stroudsburg, PA to Kirkridge Shelter, PA: Daily miles 24.6, Total miles 1277.5
Slept so well last night, but woke up dreading Hannah’s departure. We woke up at 7 am but laid in bed not wanting to admit what had to be done. We loaded the car and left the motel by 7:45 and stopped to get the last few items of my resupply. We went to the Laundromat where we ate breakfast as my clothes washed. She drove me back to the trail and she was on her way home by 10:30 am. Saying goodbye was really tough. I really enjoyed her being here. I had to slow down my hike a little, but it was worth every mile. She was the best company I could have asked for and she relieved the loneliness that has plagued my trip. As she left I knew I was going to get lonely again quick and it might be a tough day mentally. The hiking went easy, with no real stand-out climbs or views. The trail was pretty rocky, but I made it through without incident. There were a lot of people on the trail for Memorial Day weekend and I got worried that the shelter would be full. I finished my 24 miles at about 7 pm and was relieved to find an almost empty shelter. There are a few guys tenting, but I am the only person inside. There are a lot of people tenting about .3 miles away and it sounds like a big party with fireworks and music. I ate tortellini for dinner and climbed in my bag. The weather is nice, perfect temp. I am a little lonely not having Hannah here for all of the things we did together over the past 3 weeks, but I am doing better than I expected. It’s nice to know that I will be with her again and heading home to the rest of my friends and family in about 5 weeks. I miss Houghton sometimes and having Hannah here reminded me why I love it. I am meeting Mike and Hampton tomorrow night and going to Mike’s house in New Jersey. Out of PA tomorrow morning.
