Kirkridge Shelter, PA to Mike’s House, Newton, NJ: Daily miles 34.8, Total miles 1312.3
A long day with a great reward. Had a hard time getting up this morning. I woke up at 5:30 am but went back to sleep and I didn’t hit the trail until 7:40 am. I think living the easy life with Hannah for the last 3 weeks made me soft. The hiking was easy, lots of rocks, but some nice views. Went through Delaware Water Gap National Rec Area and left PA for New Jersey. It was really hot all day 80-85 degrees and the trail was crowded with day hikers. I met some nice people and a few crazies. The trail was poorly marked and I got lost more today than any other so far. I saw two bear at the end of the day, which was a nice way to end a long hike. Mike and Hampton were going to meet me at Culver’s Gap to head to Mike’s house for the night. They took a zero day in NYC today. I finished my 35 miles at about 7:40 pm and I laid in the grass in front of some store for 45 minutes talking to my parents and Hannah while I waited. Today was mom’s birthday, so it was nice to be able to talk to her for a while. When I got to Mike’s house his mom made an amazing dinner and I got to take a shower. We sat around and talked for a while. It’s nice to get some off-trail conversation. I am going to take a short day tomorrow and come back here so Mike, Hampton, and I will be in the same place on the trail and can get back to hiking together. This really doesn’t help my big push to Maine, but it’s good to have the company and some rest because I need it. I feel good, tired and sore after a big day, but satisfied with the effort. I am getting to the point where hiking is getting monotonous and I am getting anxious to get to Maine. I still enjoy the adventure and experiences I am having, but I am getting an itch to start something new. Less than 900 miles to go. It’s gonna fly.
