Waymaker on the A.T.: Day 107, Monday June 14, 2021

Malachi

Delaware Water Gap to Mohican Outdoor Center - 11.4 miles hiked today - 1307.5 total AT miles hiked to date.

Today was a half day of hiking, as we spent a leisurely morning reorganizing gear, having breakfast at the town bakery, and meeting back up with Pinot and Russell for lunch at a Mexican restaurant. Delaware Water Gap is one of the friendliest and quaintest town so far. I wouldn’t mind visiting again one day (by car).

After lunch, we hit the trail again, almost immediately hitting the New Jersey border as we crossed the Delaware river and then passed under I-80. Finally done with Pennsylvania, we were now entering the eighth state on the journey. After a mile and a half road walk, we turned back into the woods and started up the next climb back to the ridge line. One of the drawbacks of hitting a trail town is always having to climb back up a mountain leaving town.

Soon we passed yet another milestone, the 1300 mile mark. Just over 890 miles to go from here. Rocks continued to be an issue on this first part of the New Jersey trail, but the day and a half of rest seems to have allowed for some measure of healing for my battered feet, so the rocks weren’t too punishing today. The first real scenic spot today was the Sunfish Pond, one of the 7 natural wonders of New Jersey, and a registered Natural Landmark. Makes you wonder what the other six are. There were some wonderful vantage points around the pond, and very serene spots to stop and enjoy the tranquil spots.

Leaving the pond, the trail continued to climb throughout the rest of the afternoon, offering some gorgeous views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. By late afternoon we were approaching our destination for the day, the Mohican Outdoor center, where Anvil had scouted us out a cabin at a steeply discounted weekday rate. No sleeping in tents tonight. As we were less than 1/2 mile from the center, the rain that had been threatening all day let loose, and we were soaked as we arrived at the cabin. I ate a quick dinner before taking advantage of the shower, laying my wet clothes out to dry, and claiming a bunk in the cabin for the night. The cabin holds 8 but it appears only 5 of us made it this far today.