Day 94 - Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania/New Jersey

Staked a claim on the love seat for sleeping last night. Couldn’t stretch out, but it was better than lying on the muddy, dirt-streaked floor. Did pretty well, once the light was finally turned off.

Those thunderstorms yesterday made the humidity disappear, leaving a brisk, refreshing air in its place. What a difference. It feels like the beginning of fall. Would have been a perfect day for hiking, but I was content to stay.

Dave was concerned about reports of recent bear activity and didn’t want to tent. Also, the usual errands sucked up the day. Took a shuttle to an outfitter. Nothing in Dave’s size. He ended up buying a pair of sneakers at Ames for $20, which will hopefully get him to the next major town.

Took full advantage of the local bakery -- homemade pies, muffins, and cookies. Yum!

Smittee samples the local fare

Spent a while talking to Bob Gabriel, Arch Angel. He was on the trail last year but had to get off due to a serious leg problem. Now he’s back, heading north slow and steady.

We actually met him for the first time at the Palmerton jailhouse hostel. He had a long military career and told me a really sad story about two friends of his who were killed in Vietnam. At the end of it, his eyes were overflowing, as were mine. He talked about how important it is not to take freedom for granted. Also, Angel told me how happy he is to walk through the woods without fearing that his life is in danger.

“I can’t believe no one’s shooting at me. No one’s trying to kill me,” he said. Everyone who passes him in the woods is a friend. Yet again, I have a new perspective on this trail.

Bunch of people came to the hostel during the day, including Moonshine, Bad Moon, and Deuce ½. A hiker's bootless and not so sweet-smelling feet were draped all over the love seat I had slept on the night before. Even though it was quite cold out (for July), I opted for the tent. Felt like fall. We haven’t really walked through the whole summer -- have we?