Jun 24 - New Jersey

DAY #98
START LOCATION: Delaware Water Gap NRA Information Center
FINISH LOCATION: Camp Mohican Road/Mohican Outdoor Center
TODAY'S MILEAGE: 9.3
TRIP MILEAGE: 1,294.9
MILES TO GO: 884.2

I slept famously at the Stack House. I followed my nose into the
kitchen. Cucina di Panda was cranking. We enjoyed potatoes, eggs and
crispy bacon. Panda realized that it was convenient to dump leftover
food on my plate for disposal. I was glad to help.

Smoke had a bunch of buddies stop by early on their way to work. It
wad great to meet them. The Stacks have great friends and they are all
really close knit.

We picked up some trail magic water jugs on the way back to the
Delaware Water Gap. Panda and Smoke were going to drop me off and head
northward and drop some water caches at some road crossings further
up. Hikers and trail angels. Show me nicer people.

It was hot and humid again, but I was ready to hit the trail... Plus,
it's summer. That's how the weather is in summer. Panda and Smoke
dropped me at the Delaware Water Gap near a guy doing a rather
abstract watercolor of a crappy little creek. But he looked genuinely
happy and relaxed... Paint on my man.

We said our goodbyes and I asked Panda how many miles per day I should
do to Bear Mtn Bridge. That's where Smoke will be rejoining me on the
AT. Her Answer: 10. I asked Smoke the same...he said 20. I decided I'd
do 15's and play neutral.

I headed out very slowly on my new boots and new trekking poles.
Poles... No break-in needed. Good to go. Boots on the other hand? They
need some time. They felt pretty good. But my ankles felt a bit hot
after a while. A couple breaks and a nice lunch by Sunfish Pond kept
the rawness managed. By the time I stopped for the evening at Camp
Mohican, they felt pretty good. Plus my feet looked good. Good start.

Camp Mohican is the southernmost Appalachian Mountain Club
installation. It's essentially a hostel and cabin colony for large
groups of weekenders. They let thru-hikers camp and use the facilities
for free. I got a great little tentsite. I met some cool people and I
cooked a big dinner.

I did short mileage to give my feet a little break-in for the new
boots. I'm in bed early tonight and plan on banging out big miles
tomorrow.

-natedog