Although the weather has been disastrous the past few days, New Jersey is still proving to be a better experience than P.A. We finished our Pennsylvania trek with a stay in the Presbyterian Hostel at the Delaware Water Gap. It was an unexpected stay, Chase's right foot started giving him some serious trouble by Wednesday afternoon so we made the resolution to push on to the hostel, try to let injuries heal, and set out on Friday. We covered the miles at a sluggish speed, the trail is littered with rocks that make hiking painful, even in your best health. We made it to Mt. Minsi as twilight set in, but the view of the Delaware River was still awe inspiring and Mt. Tamany stood ominously across the water. The descent was treacherous in the dark but the promise of a shower kept us going. The hostel was wonderful, situated in the church basement, it included a bunk room, living room and bathroom. After a hot shower we caught up with Travis, a thru hiker we have been leap frogging, and met three others: daypack, Johnny blaze and nut hatch. They were all great and the night stretched on into the early morning.
Our zero day was full of rest and cultural indulging. We went into Stroudsburg and resupplied, saw the Great Gatsby and explored the artsy downtown of DWG. The rain and wind picked up over night and our crossing of the Delaware on Friday Morning was a bitter one.
Once atop the ridge we have been walking alongside cliffs with views of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, have seen some unexpected waterfalls, and enjoyed the southernmost Glacial ponds. A newly built beaver pond partially flooded the trail today but seeing their huts made the muddy mess worth it. With the exception of ticks, the wildlife has been amazing along with the increasingly beautiful scenery. We can't wait to get to the North and this taste of change is fuel to that fire. Time for bed...
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
-chastan
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