Hike to the Delaware Wind and Water Gap

Slackpacking in Pennsylvania

Waking up in a bed instead of our flat platform was an incredible experience. We only had a couple more days until my parents would meet us in Pennsylvania with a new sleeping pad. After that we wouldn’t feel the need to stay in a hostel or in the city as much. We headed upstairs to the Breezy Acres Hostel to find some breakfast sandwiches made by our hostess Mary Poppins. All the hikers gathered around the table to eat breakfast and talk about the day’s plan. We were planning to hike 20 miles to Wind Gap. While we were talking, Mary Poppins stepped in and offered to carry our luggage. It didn’t take long for Avalanche to agree and little by little the idea occurred to me. If it meant we would sleep another night in a bed, that was all I needed to agree. Another hiker, Ash, was also interested in slackpacking. And our friend Retriever planned to walk with us. We had the team together, the plan made and we were ready to start the day.

Lehigh Gap Climbing

Mary Poppins dropped us off at Lehigh Gap. She advised that we start the day without trekking poles. We were going to need our hands to get out of the gap and up the ridge. With the sun beating down we began the ascent. It was nice not to have our packs fully loaded on this climb. Having my hands free made it easier to climb over the rocks. As we made it about two-thirds of the way, we got an incredible view of the Lehigh River. Once we caught our breath, we finished the climb and reached the top of the ridge. The terrain flattened out on the ridge and it was a comfortable hike. We talked to Ash and Retriever about the hikes we had done and future hikes we want to do. It was nice to have such good company all day.

Trail Magic and Wind Gap

We finally reached a road junction where we met another hiker, Townsman. We had walked with him before and it was nice to see him again. Just as we were about to head down the trail, a car pulled up and started honking and waving at us. Confused, we stopped to see what they wanted. He was a local who had brought some magic to the trails and wanted to make sure we had some. We sat and talked with Will (Trace of Angel) and Townsman for a while. It was there that Townsman gave Ash the name of the Lava trail. The rest of the walk was relaxing. The trail was flat and the rocks were smooth. We even ran into some small bugs along the way.

As we approached Wind Gap, where our hike for the day would end, I texted Mary Poppins so she could pick us up. Once we got to Wind Gap, he told me it would be about 45 minutes before he could get someone to come out and pick us up. We didn’t let that get to us, we walked another half mile to a local bar. At the bar we ordered some drinks and snacks and talked to Lava and Retriever. Finally, our shuttle driver picked us up and we headed back to Breezy Acres. We ate a delicious meal made by Mary Poppins and went straight to bed.

Hiking to Delaware Water Gap

The next day they took us back to Wind Gap to start where we left off. It was going to be a 16 mile day to Delaware Water Gap. We started the day by climbing from Wind Gap to a ridge. This seemed to be a common thing here in Pennsylvania. Once we reached the top of the ridge, the terrain was flat but rocky. They don’t call it Rocksylvania for nothing! We hiked along the ridge to Wolf Rock, where we took our first break of the day. After a short break we continued walking north. When Avalanche and I walk we are not always next to each other. A good part of the time we are several 100 meters away from each other. We enjoy each other’s company, but sometimes we just need some time to reflect. We also like to listen to our own music and podcasts and go on our own hike.

John Ridge Runner

We finally arrived at our lunch spot, Kirk Ridge Shelter. We had lunch with Retriever and Lava. This shelter was right next to a wildlife retreat area that had a tap. So it is not necessary to filter our water, score! After finishing lunch, we only had a few miles left before we reached Delaware Water Gap. We passed several viewpoints on the way to town. The best is Minsi Lookout. Almost in town, we met up with our friend Lil John, the ridge runner. He was following his route and making sure the path was in order. It’s people like him that make the trail amazing! He also had some donuts from a local bakery and offered them up like magic on the trail. Of course we accept!

Dinner at Delaware Water Gap

Once we arrived in town, the four of us went to a local church that offered a place to stay for a small donation. We left our things and went into town for dinner. There is a ramen restaurant in Delaware Water Gap, Sango Kura, that has the best ramen along the way. So of course we had to stop by and check it out, and it lived up to the hype! After dinner we went to the Village Farmer and Bakery next door for dessert. This place was amazing! They even offer a special deal for hikers where you can get a hot dog and a slice of pie for five dollars. We returned to the church with our stomachs as full as possible. It was another good day on the road. Tomorrow was going to be even better…tomorrow we get to see our family and be reunited with our trail pup!!!

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