July 29: Another State - Into New Jersey

July 25 to 29:  Pine Grove, PA to Delaware Water Gap, PA and the NJ State Line -Mile 1,289

Guest Poster – the Mom

 

Adam survived Pennsylvania, the 230 miles of jagged, rocky trails, often walking on solid multi-sized rocks and boulders with no dirt in sight.   I’ve read that PA has the Appalachian Trail nickname of Rocksylvania, and is known for ruining hiking shoes and causing twisted ankles.

 No ankle problems for Adam though – he said that the years of soccer have given him strong ankles.  However, the trail was tough on the shoes he started wearing in Virginia.  The front of the shoes have started “flapping,” making it more difficult to walk. 

 If the shoes are not enough, his backpack has also started falling apart – the frame has cut through the fabric and is rubbing against his back.  He is using a foam-type seat between his back and the pack.

 It helps, though, to have good quality gear from great companies.  Adam called both his shoe company and the manufacturer of the backpack, and both said they would ship him replacement items to a NY trail stop about 10 days ahead of him.

 Adam caught up with Avo (aka as Bill from his early Virginia trail days) around Wind Gap, PA, and stayed at his home overnight, even enjoying some relaxing time in Bill’s family’s hot tub.  Avo is still a couple of days ahead of Adam on the AT, and after their visit, they both returned to the spots they left the trail.

Adam stayed in Delaware Gap, PA, where the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain operates a hostel (I am so impressed with how churches in every state reach out to thru-hikers!), and then crossed into New Jersey at mile 1289.5, 896.4 miles from Katahdin, Maine.