T+15 First day back on the trail

​T+15 (June 13, 2020)

First day back on the trail after the COVID shelter in place period. Looking back it appears that I never properly wrote up T+14. It happened, but I can't be bothered to write about it. I guess I'll just move on.

Navigation Report:
Starting Point: Delaware Water Gap (mi. 1296)
Destination: Campsite @ mile 1305. 9

Travel log:
Depart Delaware Water Gap (mile 1296.0) 10:30
Arrive at Sunfish Pond (mile 1301.5) 12:40
Viewing Point (mile 1303.0) 1:30
Arrive at stream (mile 1303.2) 2:00
Depart stream (mile 1303.2) 2:20
Power lines (mile 1303.8) 2:40
Raccoon Ridge (mile 1303.9) 2:55
Viewing Point (mile 1305. 1) 3:40
Campsite (mile 1305.9) 4:00

Daily mileage (T+14) = 4.7 miles
Daily mileage (T+15) = 9.9 miles
Total mileage  = 157.3 miles

Commander’s Report:
So, I'm back on the trail after a 10.5 week quarantine break. A bit of mixed emotions this time around. I'm excited that able to get back on the trail, but at the same time I'm quite bummed that I won't be able to complete the through hike. Gonna have to get over that. More days like today would go a long way toward-moving on!

It was a beautiful day for hiking! Temps in the mid 70's with clear skies. It doesn't get any better than that!

Unfortunately, all of NYC got the memo and decided to enjoy the outdoors. Can't say as I blame them. There were so many people that I didn't bother removing my mask until Sunfish Pond - 5 miles in. Even then it was a game of moving it from my neck to face every few minutes. The further I got from Delaware Water Gap, the fewer the people I encountered - definitely a plus in my book.

The first attraction of the day was Sunfish Pond (mile 1301.5). It's a picturesque little glacial pond, which has been designated a National Natural Landmark.

Sunfish Pond as seen from the south

​The designation means that there is no swimming allowed in the pond. With beaches like this I'd say that's OK.

The white sandy beach of Sunfish Pond

​After Sunfish Pond the trail continues upward and near the top of the ridge is the first partially obscured view (mile 1303).

Delaware River as seen from above Sunfish Pond

​A bit after that, there is a small stream (mile 1305.2) with the last water I'm able to access before camp. So, I filled my tummy and water bottles up. I also ported ~1L of unfiltered water with me. The water is quite brown and there's a bunch of organic material in it, but hey that's what a filter is for. Right? (Turns out the water was still brown after filtration, but it tasted OK.)

Less than a mile after the stream is first some power lines and then the top of the ridge. The power lines had decent views, but the star attraction for the day was the view from Raccoon Ridge (mile 1303.9). You get nearly a 360 degree view of the surrounding country. Here's a panorama of the northwest view. That's the Delaware River.

The view northwest from Raccoon Ridge

​The views of the southeast are equally nice. Instead of the Delaware River, there's Yard's Creek Reservoir instead.

The view southeast from Raccoon Ridge

​After Raccoon Ridge viewpoint it is a mostly flat 2 mile hike to camp. Along the way is another view of Yard's Creek Reservoir. Made it to camp EARLY. Set everything up and ate dinner. As I had to pick up several downed branches from the tent site and there was a fire pit, I decided to make a small fire. It burned until after sunset, at which time I scattered the coals to hasten the fire going out.

Fire at campsite

Speaking of sunset, I'll leave this here. It's obscured by trees, but pretty nonetheless.

Sunset from viewpoint at campsite