July 3 church on the Mountain Hostel

Into Delaware Water Gap for another hostel stay. The only news for today is I had my first tick and the rocks are relentless. I am beginning to have numbness in the balls of my feet Sometimes i feel sharp pain like muscle spasms. I am hopeful the rocks subside as we go into New Jersey or we may have to cut our miles down drastically until our feet feel better.

We made it by 2:00 and found an awesome bakery for lunch. Hand washed our clothes. They dry fast in this heat. We had thought about staying here for the fourth but now we are thinking about moving on. I'd love to be on top of the mountain looking down at all the fireworks. There is talk of thunderstorms tonight through the 5th. The weather may be the deciding factor.

We have met Video, a 63 year old man who we really like. He has taken Mouse Trap under his wing. Mousetrap is 18, graduated, and started on the trail five days ago. A group at the hostel helped him unload 11 pounds last night Video is the short one with the tall young man. Solo is here to celebrate his birthday with Uncle Sam.

Hiker update: Plant Man went home to heal. Is hopeful he can come back. Spirit did not look so good today. She is moving slow.