July 28 Mile 1284

Delaware Water Gap! Hurray! Only one more mile left in PA. Actually, the rocks weren't as bad as advertised. Based on what I had read and people had said, I thought the entire trail would have razor sharp rocks sticking up for miles lining the trail bed, ready to slice your shoes and devour your feet. Rocks for sure, but certainly doable with a little patience. And not alot of extra time. We got through the state in a little over two weeks-230 miles. Don't be afraid of PA. And the people were the nicest we have met. Lots of trail magic and water. A great state overall. We just always excited to go to a new state.
Came into the little town of Delaware Water Gap at about noon.
A sleepy place. Stayed in a church hostel. About the only difference in thru hikers and hobos sometimes is that we have credit cards. You always meet very interesting people thru hikng. Met two new hikers today, both leaving the trail though, one a retired army major with about 5 tours in Iraq and Afganistan. Said he liked the trail-nobody is shooting at him. Another hiker, constantly in trouble with the law, mostly related to drinking and driving. Everyone is equal at the hostels and shelters. We all wear the same hiker clothes, almost all the guys have beards,and nobody knows your real name. It is quite an egalitarian life.
Took the afternoon off to enjoy the little town. Got a package of shoe inserts- hope they help my poor feet- delivered to me- got my hair cut for the first time since mid-April, and went to Happy Hour and ate wings for dinner.
The hostel is nice and free, but hot, as it has no AC, so sleeping may be difficult. Hopefully cooler weather will come and excited about entering a new state tomorrow.