Today’s Miles: 13.7
Trip Miles: 1290
“I know it’s fucked up, but I’m living a lie.
In the cheap hotel, it’s where I’m sleeping tonight.
With someone I just met while the love of my life
Is at home, probably wondering if I’m dead or alive” – Leon Else
Up at 6:30. Said goodbye to Dana. Will not see her again until I summit Katahdin. J picked us up and drove us to the trail at 7:15. On the trail at 8:00.
Clear, mid-80s, low humidity.
We have an easy 15.5 miles today to Wind Gap, PA.
Lamp fell and cracked his head at 9:00. We were resting about 200 feet north and heard him fall and yell. Ran back through the rocks to see what happened while still wearing our packs. Don’t recommend that. He had a nasty cut and bump on his head. Lots of blood, but it stopped fairly quickly after we cleaned him up. He seemed okay and continued on northbound.
Stopped for a second breakfast at 10:00 at 3.9 miles for the day. Back on the trail at 10:30.
Stopped at noon at Smith Gap Road for food. There is a large 15-gallon water cache here thanks to Water Woman. We also ran into Mosey and Lamp. Mosey is moseying down the trail, and we will catch her in a few hours. Lamp is headed to town with some friends. He looks no worse for wear from his fall earlier today. I updated my blog, and Overkill took a nap.
Back on the trail at 1:00. 3.5 miles to our next stop at a shelter and 8.3 total miles to go to Wind Gap and a hotel tonight. Might tent on their lawn for $5. Same plan for Mosey. Should be done by 6:30 – 7:00 today.
Stopped at Leroy A. Smith Shelter for a break at 2:40. Small, older shelter a bit off the trail. We also ran into the Ridge Runner and chatted. He told us there is ZERO water for 15.5 miles tomorrow, ugh!
Headed out at 3:40. 4.5 miles to go to Wind Gap and the Gateway Motel.
Arrived at Gateway Motel at 6:10. I got a room, and Overkill is tenting. I’m sharing my bathroom with her and Mosey, who is also tenting. The extended family and Mosey were here when we arrived: Newt, Glass, 23, Polar. They Ubered into town. I ordered pizza and coke from Domino’s. Overkill is eating from her very large resupply. We will plan our next week later today.
Interesting motel. It would turn off most normal people, but after some of the places I have stayed, it’s luxurious. WiFi, mostly clean, clean bathroom, functional window AC, refrigerator, electricity, all the comforts of home for $65 plus tax. Owner is a very nice old guy. Had a decent resupply setup in the motel office, including fuel canisters. Quite surprising!
No cups in the room, so I had to get creative. Pocket knife plus used coke bottle (mine, so I know it’s safe) equals a drinking vessel. Plus, cardboard pizza box lid for plates and TP for napkins. Just how I planned my retirement:)
Planned through Fort Montgomery, NY, where we will cross the Hudson River on 08/07. Water is still a challenge, and making camp planning is annoying.
We have 15.5 miles tomorrow with NO water sources. We will likely stay in a church basement in Delaware Water Gap tomorrow, then push on to Mohican Outdoor Center for resupply the following night.
Posted some blogs and in bed at midnight.
Really looking forward to leaving PA. I know the rocks don’t magically stop at the NJ border, but leaving PA is a big mental leap.
My new pack is doing well. I still have some tweaking to do on both how to fill the pack as well as how to wear it. My back is much better after a week, but I still have some issues. In addition, my hips need to get used to this very different pack and belt. Overall, I’m much more upbeat on this entire topic than I was two weeks ago.
Technical Notes:
- Mini donuts 280
- Mini donuts 280
- Mini donuts 140
- Dr Pepper 240
- Mini donuts 280
- Mini donuts 280
- Zero sugar sausage 120
- Skittles 75
- Zero sugar sausage 120
- Ritz crackers with peanut butter 200
- Skittles 75
- Chips Ahoy 120
- Zero sugar sausage 120
- Chips Ahoy 120
- Chips Ahoy 120
- Skittles 50
- Coke 200
- Pizza 1875
- Diet Coke 0
- Water liters 4
- Miles 15.5
- Time 10
- Elevation gain 1473
- Calories consumed 4800
- Calories burned 6500
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