Day 110 zero day in Delaware Water Gap – my friend Brandi drove three hours to meet us in person! Had a great day!
Day 111 (July 10th) – 16.7 miles. Got a later start this morning (breakfast and Sunsets got a haircut). We have entered into New Jersey! 7 states down, 7 states left. NJ is beautiful so far, even though it is still rocky. Saw a black snake and a rattle snake today (walked right by rattle snake, it was off to the side in the grass but very close to trail, and did not rattle at us).
Day 112 (July 11th) – tally for today:
20.5 miles
3 falls on slippery slanted boulders (we’re ok)
1 deer
3 salamanders (efts)
2 bear cubs ? (eating berries)
1 gazillion rocks
It was a hard day. But we are having the time of our lives out here! We still say to each other “can you believe we’re out here doing this?”
Day 113 (July 12th) – 19.6 miles to Pochunk Shelter. Got a free soda today at High Point State Park, met a guy at the High Point Lookout who chatted with us for a while and then gave us $20 to treat ourselves to pizza(!), then went to our first NJ deli later this afternoon (0.4 miles off trail but worth it!). The rocks seemed to abate after this morning which was lovely, but it was very hot and muggy today, which is an energy drainer. Tomorrow we get to slack pack with a trail angel, Which we are super excited about!!
Day 114 (July 13th) – 21.6 miles to NY 17A.
Slack-packed* today compliments of trail angel Andrea Bacon. We had a great and hard day today. We passed into New York today! So 8 states down and just 6 more to complete! Day started great, but got caught in a thunder/lightening storm this afternoon at the worst time – right when we were climbing onto a bald and totally exposed to the open sky. We hunkered down under a tree for a while, and then ventured out very carefully. We did not slip or fall, but it was slow-going. Andrea was there to meet us at the end of the day, and we went to an ice cream shop down the road.
*Slack-packing means hiking the trail without our full weight backpacks (Greg’s weighs 26# and mine is 27# – that’s rightC I’m carrying more weight than him!). We carry a small day pack with only water and snacks for the day. In this case, Andrea met us early in the morning to pick up our packs, and then met us at the end of our day to give us our packs back.
For pictures or videos, search for “Appalachian Trail Tales” on Facebook and YouTube.
We really enjoy watching your journey, before we start our day each morning with a cup of coffee. Being an accounting major and recently retired Business Banker, I love hearing the Expenses Summarized for the week and to-date. Keep up the great work!
That is so cute, over your morning coffee. Thanks for following us!
Love following you! So happy you’re fulfilling your dream!!
Thanks so much Diane! Glad you are following our journey. ?
I enjoy watching your videos of your daily hikes and the beautiful scenery in which you pass thru. Enjoy, stay safe and I hope to see you when you arrive in my state of New Hampshire! The White Mountains await you!
Thanks Norma! Just saw your message on FB too, we can’t wait!
If you folks are planning on Staying in or need a ride to and from the Great Barrington, MA area I’d be happy to provide you the ride.
I comment on you tube under Joe S. My contact info call or text is 4137170751
Thanks so much! We will not be staying in Great Barrington, but thank you. Really appreciate it.