Day 93 - Leroy Smith Shelter to Delaware Water Gap

Up at 6, out at 7:15. Anxious to finish the last 20 miles of Penn. Didn’t really care what they were like -- just wanted them done.

They continued to be very rocky and annoying. Didn’t take many breaks. Thunder started just before we got to the shelter, so we picked up the pace. Made it just in time. Had lunch, then the sky cleared.

As we were leaving, Murph and Cameron came and delivered some trail magic -- soda and fruit from a couple at the previous road crossing. We headed off to do the last 6 ½ miles and got caught in an absolute downpour. 

Ran through big puddles. Made whooping noises. Took pictures. Very life-affirming stuff. It was especially fun because we knew we were going to a place with walls and a roof and a hot shower.

 Back row: Bad Moon, Longshanks, Mick, Smittee, Will Scarlett, Buzzard; middle row: Blur, Murph, Wren: Front: Stray Cat

The church hostel is nice, but packed with hikers. Not sure what’s up with Lion King, Animal, and Mother Hen, but they seem to be everywhere without doing much hiking.

Went out for pizza. Oh, Dave busted through the sole of one of his boots today (those damn Pennsylvania rocks!). Must find replacements in or around Delaware Water Gap tomorrow.