Day 10, 7 MAY, The Journey before The Journey

As the portions of the AT that I have not hiked push further and further away from Salem, the challenge of transportation to the trailhead becomes more difficult.  Hiking southbound provides the advantage of a shorter drive home at the tail end of the trip.  Therefore, the specific challenge for the two week hike across PA was to find a ride to the Delaware Water Gap at the NJ-PA line.
     Enter Duff Rearick and Graham Fenton.  Duff is the father of one of my best friends in Salem and colleague at Roanoke, Matt Rearick.  Graham is a good friend (and student) at Roanoke who lives in PA.  They are the real reason that I was even able to make the hike.  I drove up to the Rearick's home early in the AM from SAL, where Graham met me.  Then Graham and I were able to spend some quality time driving across the state.  One of the highlights for Graham and I was visiting a super-cooled cave that was used by Native Americans for refrigeration. (YES, it was THAT cold.)

     If you've never been to the Delaware Water Gap (and I hadn't), it is ominous.  The sheer enormity and hardness of a sheet of rock that has not submitted to the rolling and seemingly eternal waters of the Delaware.  It was certainly one of the highlights of the trip, and I had barely walked a mile.  In climbing those initial miles view a continual view of the Gap, I almost tripped several times.  It is one of those natural wonders that commands attention; the Delaware Water Gap is mesmerizing.  If you are ever driving I-80 at the NJ-PA line, you should definitely take the exit and the few minutes to stop and stare.  What a great way to start an adventure.  I made it to the Kitredge shelter in plenty of time to enjoy dinner and the sunset.

A Short Reprieve for a Great Reason

Here's a picture of my friend, Ashlee Lakin, and Marianne.  It was March when this picture was taken, but they are already thinking about the traditional "Women's Beach Trip", which typically happens in May.  When Marianne told me that they were planning the trip for the first of May, it was no problem to rearrange the hiking plan for her to be able to go.  She really enjoys the time, and I am glad we have the friends who want her to go with them.  Even though I really don't know what goes on during their time (you should ask her sometime), I think trips like these are really important.  As parents, it is important to refresh one's mind and spirit with great conversation and laughter among peers.  As spouses, it is important to have time apart and be reminded of the good things in life.  I will always support my wife getting away from the craziness that so often surrounds her (craziness = the 5 other people she lives with).  That time makes us better people and a better family.  Wooo-hoooo.