Day 108-Happy 4th of July!

July 4-6 miles-Kirkridge Shelter to Delaware Water Gap-AT mile 1296.0

Happy 4th of July! We made it into Delaware Water Gap by about 10:45. Coming down, there were a few views. 

Good morning trail!

This was where we could have camped. I think a lot of people came up here to watch fireworks because I heard a ton of them last night. 

This view made possible by a gas line. 

First look at the Delaware River. 

Getting closer!

One reason we made it into DWG so early (besides leaving at 6:45), is because we had a long section on a gravel road. 

The road had many of these giant mud puddles, but always a way around. 

Tons of spiderwebs (I think it was Peter Parker’s lair). 

There were also lots of people on the trail. The trail was, of course, quite rocky in places. Many of the people I saw did not seem to be wearing appropriate footwear. But, then again, maybe they don’t have to. They are not toting all their belongings on their backs either!

First thing we did when we got into town was stop at Edge of the Woods outfitter. They were doing a bang-up business with kayak, canoe, and raft trips. All I wanted was some new tips for my trekking poles (the top on one of my poles had gotten pushed up into the pole). I was elated to find out they had them in stock!

I couldn’t get the old ones off, but the “hiker expert” got them off for me. Getting the new ones on merely required me to push them on, and bang the poles several times until they slid into place. I’m so happy to have two good poles again!

After the outfitter, we went to the Apple Pie Bakery. They had a special of a hot dog, and a slice of apple pie for $2.95. It was only 11:15, but Sure Foot and I decided it wasn’t too early. 

They also had a plethora of delicious baked goods. We went back there for dinner (free cornbread with BBQ, except they didn’t have any cornbread). I got a cookie sandwich for dessert. 

Our bellies satisfied for the moment, we continued on to the hotel. We arrived at 12:30, and were told that we couldn’t check in until 3:00 or 3:30 (the room wasn’t cleaned yet). Fortunately, Jet (who we met back before Palmerton) is also staying here. He said we could come hang out in his room (he was zeroing today). We hung out for a bit, then left our packs with Jet, and went in search of resupply for the next three days. Strangely, this town does not have a proper grocery store. There are just a couple of gas station mini-marts. I did pick up a couple of MH meals at the outfitter. That was good for two dinners. Between the two mini-marts, we were able to get a decent enough resupply (I was even able to find a box of quart size freezer ziplock bags). For lunches, I just got trail mix. New Jersey, which we will cross into tomorrow is supposed to be known as the “Deli run”. Hopefully, we’ll be able to hit up a deli around lunchtime each day. If not, we’ll, trail mix it is. 

So, I mentioned how expensive this dump of a hotel is. But there’s laundry, the owner told us. Right...the dryer is broke. At least we were able to wash our clothes. We hung them up to dry. 

We have no idea if they will have fireworks somewhere tonight, and we are unlikely to find out. This time last year, I was camping with the carnies in Independence, OR (on a bike tour). Two years ago I was celebrating the 4th in Australia (yes, celebrating an American holiday in Australia). This year, I hiked into Delaware Water Gap, and got new tips for my trekking poles!