Day 115
Start: Delaware Water Gap
End: Backpacker Campsite
Miles Hiked: 5.0
Miles on AT: 1302.2
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I woke up today and something was different. I wasn’t on trail! I didn’t feel too refreshed because I had gone to bed late (that’s what happens when you hang out with cousins), but I was happy to have spent so much quality time with family.
My aunt was already up and watering her garden; there weren’t any fresh veggies today, but some cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers would soon be ripe for the picking. We all had breakfast together and I did a few last minute gear fixes while everyone got ready for the day. The only things on my agenda were to go to Trader Joe’s, Target, and get back on trail.
And we did just that. After the resupply runs, we picked up my other aunt so we could all go back to Delaware Gap. That meant my mom, my 2 aunts, and my younger cousin were going to see me off.
When we got there, they wanted to see what the trail was like, so they ‘hiked’ a little bit with me. Delaware Gap isn’t the best place to experience a tiny section of the AT because we only walked through town and over a long, noisy bridge. But, my family was able to usher me over the PA-NJ state line.
Just after the bridge, it was time to say goodbye. There were many hugs and a group prayer for my safe travels and then I had to say goodbye. I was sad to leave them but glad to be on the next leg of my journey. New Jersey!
When I re-entered the forest, there were so many day hikers out and about that I was a bit disoriented. I missed the quiet I could find in VA. Eventually, I went far enough so that the crowds thinned and I only passed a few people every so often.
I didn’t want to go far today, so I stopped at the first campground I found and chose a quiet site with a slight view of the sunset. It was calm and still, just how I like it. Being with family was fun, but being around so much energy after months of forested tranquility was jarring. I enjoyed the stillness while I did my camp chores and ate dinner. The simple life was the life for me.
Soon the sun started going down, casting a purplish glow across the sky. Just before dark, I crawled into my tent and let out a sigh of contentment. Back on trail again!
And that’s day 115.
A version of this post originally appeared on TheTrek.co.