Thursday, February 3, 2022

Hike #24; Knowlton and Delaware Water Gap Backpack

 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.

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