Hike #24
Hike 24
At the Hiller Plaque on the Kittatinny Ridge
8/26-8/27/2k
I had once again had the itch to do a backpacking campout, and recruited Moo Moo from
work to join. Tea Biscuit was also more than willing. I had a loose plan of where we could
walk, similar to what I had done with Bill Bill and Tara previously.
Road walking from my Aunt and Uncle's house in Delaware NJ
I drove to my Aunt Bonnie and Uncle George’s house, who at that time lived in a log
cabin they had built on a hillside above Delaware on a piece of logging property that once
belonged to my Great Great Grandfather. We parked the car out of the way there and
headed down the long driveway and out to the DL&W right of way, following it north.
Instead of crossing the Delaware on the trestle, we walked the route of the former
Blairstown Railroad which was almost obliterated for the construction of Rt 46.
Former Blairstown Railroad at Colombia Lake WMA
Paulins Kill Valley Trail just west of Hainesburg
Along a back road in Mt Vernon
To my dismay, Moo Moo had neglected to bring any water at all; when Tea Biscuit and I
picked him up all he had was a 20 oz coca cola. I ordered him to go into the next mini
mart and get himself water while I waited outside.
When he returned we took off to the Blairstown/New York, Susquehanna, and Western
Raiload bed to Colombia Lake northeast. We continued on to Vail, then followed the
roads to Mt Vernon, where we entered Lower Yards Creek Resevoir’s recreation area,
and headed out to the Kaiser Road trail which crosses the Kittatinny Ridge and the
Appalachian Trail.
On Raccoon Ridge along the AT with a view of Wallpack Bend
Upon reaching the AT, we turned southbound across Raccoon Ridge to Mt Mohican and
Worthington State Forest.
On Mount Mohican along the AT
AT along Raccoon Ridge
Along the AT heading toward Sunfish Pond. Moo Moo loved his Mountain Dew.
Again to my dismay, Moo Moo had not bought water as I had instructed, opting instead
to get a large bottle of Mountain Dew, his favorite beverage at the time. I ended up
sharing my water with him, and running out. When we reached Sunfish Pond, a beautiful
glacial lake, we took a swim, but I was’nt feeling well. I spent most of the time there
sipping Mountain Dew as it was the only liquid, and I blacked out laying on a rock a
couple times before continueing on.
Break at Sunfish Pond along the AT
The AT south of Sunfish Pond
Appalachian Trail in Worthington State Forest
We stayed on the AT to Holly Springs Trail, then Dunnfield Creek Trail back on to the
AT. Continueing on the AT we passed the Kittatinny Point Information Station where I
called Cathy to report on our progress, then crossed the Delaware on the Rt 80 bridge.
Along Dunnfield Creek Trail, Worthington State Forest
When we reached the town of the Delaware Water Gap, we stopped at Water Gap Diner,
setting our packs aside, and having a good meal. Moo Moo went into a mini mart and
bought TV Guide to read. He was famished and tired. Throughout the day, his pack kept
coming apart. I had lent him a sleeping bag which was secured to a regular napsack with
rope, and it kept coming undone. Moo Moo decided to call work for some reason, and
had found out he was scheduled to work the next day! I did’nt even want to think about
trying to get him back home.
In our tent on the base of Mt. Minsi
It was getting quite dark by the time we left the diner, and we had a hard time trying to
find the road we needed to get to the next section of the AT. After finding it we headed
down to the same spot Tara and I had camped and set up. The tent we used was the same
kind I had borrowed from Matt DeFranza two years before as well.
Our campsite at the base of Mt. Minsi
In the morning, we rose and headed down to Resort Point, where the Kittatinny House, a
massive hotel, once stood. We followed Rt 611 south until it was feasable to get to the
railroad tracks.
Me climbing a tree to retrieve our food I'd hoisted up there
Looking toward former Lackawanna Railroad from the nice stone laid side of Rt 611
Mt Tammany view from the former Lackawanna Railroad
We continued south to Portland and crossed the footbridge, making our way to the
Colombia McDonalds to call my grandfather to come pick us up. We goofed off a bit
while waiting. I don’t remember what insult Tea Biscuit said, but I recall saying
“Accidents do happen!” as I poured an entire cup of water into his crotch! He let out a
bellowing scream that turned the heads of everyone in McDonalds as he danced about
with his dripping wet pants.
Heading through Slateford area on the former Lackawanna Railroad
When my grandfather arrive, he took us back to my car, and I managed to get Moo Moo
back to his house with 15 minutes to spare before his shift! In that time he had to clean up
and walk a short distance from his house to the store to work in the Deli. I heard he
actually made it!
On the Portland Colombia Footbridge at our end.
No comments:
Post a Comment