Got up and ready to head out, when we noticed a bear on the lawn of the hostel. Was a big one. Strange sighting, they normally just come into town for bin day, which is way off.

We had a whole send-off committee walking us to the PA-NJ border, which is just 0.3 miles from the hostel on the bridge over the Delaware river. Buckeye Boy’s first AT miles in a long time.

Said our farewells at the border and were in New Jersey. Hopefully a lot less rocky nonsense in NJ.

Passed the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area, which was pretty much shut down due to bear activity. AT thru hikers were allowed to pass though, so no problems there.

Met Foodtruck, Swiss Chris and company again after the climb out of the recreation area, then cruised along, leapfrogging them for the next few hours.

Passed a big rattlesnake at a lake shore.

After 14 miles Turmerics parents and Buckeye Boy were waiting for us with trail magic. Apparently there were quite a few people on trail that came through. Apple juice was a big hit.

Got shuttled back into town, showered, then dinner at the BBQ place. The smoked stuff was very much delicious.

Afterwards we picked up Prepper, who had decided to slackpack the last section in PA southbound. Wasn’t too hard on his knees fortunately.

Then a little bit of hanging out, and off to bed.