Day 114
Start: Field
End: Delaware Water Gap
Miles Hiked: 6.0
Miles on AT: 1297.2
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Town day! I had a short day today because I planned to meet my aunt at Delaware Water Gap and spend quality time with family in NJ. The plan was to meet them at 9:30, so I woke up early and started hiking just before 7 am.
It was a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky. There was a section of trail that was an old forest road, so my last few steps in PA weren’t as painful as the previous ones.
As I reached the view point before descending into the Gap, I was reminded that it was Saturday. Day hikers were out in full force. I must’ve passed at least 15 of them on the way to the parking lot.
When 9:30 rolled around, I finished my last few steps into the parking lot. There waiting for me with cameras out were not only my aunt, but my mom, cousin, and grandma. I’m sure the rest of my family would have come, too, if there were more seats in the car. I danced my way to them, posing for pictures, and gave them air hugs and kisses since it had been a few days since I’d showered.
I was so happy to see them! It was a treat for them to see me in my full hiker glory. They still don’t understand why I do what I do, but at least they have more of a picture of what the trail looks like.
Our first stop was The Mystical Mug Cafe so I could get a bagel, then the post office, and then NJ! Once at my aunt’s house, I reunited with her rest of the family and hung out, soaking in the beautiful summer day. We ate Italian ice on the deck and enjoyed each other’s company.
Tomorrow, it’s resupply and then back on the trail!
And that’s day 114.
A version of this post originally appeared on TheTrek.co.