Day 119

Weather:
Sunny. High in upper 70's. Light evening rain showers.

Today's Hike:
Delaware Water Gap (DWG) to Mohican Outdoor Center - 8.7 miles

Wow, what a wonderful 24 hours! After hiking into DWG, two of Storms hiking friends, Jonathan and Joan, picked all of us up and whisked us a way into an evening most hikers only dream of. First, we went to the local grocery store to resupply. Then we made a quick side trip to the liquor store to pick out our choice of wine and beer for the evening. It was here that we were also informed about how bad we smelled when Joan told the clerk we were thru-hikers and he promptly responded that he knew. Although we didn't think we were completely unbearable he stated that "it's surprising what the nose can get use to." Wow. Can't blame him for being honest.

We left the store and made our way to Jonathan’s incredibly gorgeous home where we would be for the rest of the night. We showered and did laundry. We were served an incredibly tasty three-course meal and the best part was we were in such fun company. Jonathan and his family were extremely welcoming and funny and Joan and her family spent much of the night with us as well. By midnight we were exhausted and departed to our own beds and had our best night sleep in weeks. Amazing!

Today was our first day hiking in our 8th state of New Jersey (Storm's home state). We were joined by Jonathan, Joan, and her daughter Emily who hiked with us 8.7 miles to the Mohican Outdoor Center. The rocks of PA have continued into NJ, a bummer. However, we did get held up by a 5 foot timber rattler that was hanging out on the trail by Sunfish Pond - very cool. Muster also saw another bear this afternoon; also very cool. New Jersey has the highest density of black bears compared to any other area along the trail, so I won't be surprised if we have a few more bear sighting while were here.

We ended the day with a cook out at the Mohican with Jonathan and Joan’s families. Wonderful. We had such great time with everyone, and it was sad to see them go.

We are camping at the Mohican tonight and tomorrow with the Packadivas. Looking forward to a relaxing day off tomorrow.