(Kirkridge Shelter (mile 1289.7) - Delaware Water Gap (mile 1296.1))

I woke up to deeply overcast skies. Although the rain appeared to be holding out, the clouds hung low and heavy. Chooch left the shelter early, but I took a little extra time, knowing I only had 6 miles to hike before noon. The hiking was pleasant, with lots of downhill towards Delaware Water Gap. I passed a couple overlooks, but the clouds obstructed any views, imparting the illusion that I was at a much higher elevation, perched among the clouds. As I descended from the ridge towards town, the trail offered several views of the Delaware River and Interstate 80 on the opposite shore (which was also New Jersey).

As I neared town, the trail leveled out a bit and routed me past the east shore of Lake Lenape, which was really more of a pond. I could hear many frogs calling from the shore, and several leapt in as I walked alongside the water.

Just beyond the pond, the trail joined a road into town. On the edge of town, the trail turned right, but I turned left to make my way further into the small community of Delaware Water Gap. I passed the Deer Head Inn, which is the longest continually operating jazz club in the country. Just beyond the Inn was Church of the Mountain, a Presbyterian church which operates a donations-based hostel in its basement. It was a little past 10am, so my plan was to take a quick shower and then head down the road to a Fairmount Inn near the interstate with coin laundry.

After my shower, I made my way along the town’s main street, past the single intersection, and towards the Fairmont Inn. Along the way, I passed a ton of quaint but character-rich old houses, a pie shop (which had rave reviews on Guthook), and (shockingly) a sake brewery. Although I did not have time to explore, I was utterly charmed by the town, and knew I would need to return some day. I then ran into Dallas as I approached the Fairmont Inn. She was staying at the Deer Head Inn and told me Lighthouse had her room the night before she arrived and left her a bunch of beers in the fridge. I was excited to learn Lighthouse was still in my bubble of hikers.

The laundry room was a creepy, windowless box situated towards the rear of the hotel at the end of a maze of hallways. I put my laundry in the washer and then made my way to the lobby to do my virtual Zoom tour with the Landmark Apartments in Tuscaloosa. The tour was just about everything I expected. The apartment was small, the floors were gray, and I was altogether underwhelmed. The agent was nice enough, and I asked a couple questions almost as a formality, but overall I kept things brief. I already knew I wanted to live in the old house in downtown Tuscaloosa.

After my tour, I dried my clothes and headed back to Church of the Mountain, where I had a phone call with Stephen Dempsey of Dempsey Realty. I got great vibes from Stephen, although I was disappointed to learn that the $850/month apartment I was most interested in had already been leased. That left unit #2 and unit #8. Although unit #2 was only $800/month, it was a bit too small. On the other hand, unit #8 was one of two carriage house units over the garage, offering more space and privacy. Unfortunately, at $900/month, unit #8 seemed out of my price range. I asked Steven if he could offer a reduced rate for a grad student, and excitingly he said yes, offering me $850/month for unit #8. I thanked him for his time and submitted a rental application as soon as I got off the phone.

Anna Claire picked me up shortly afterwards and we made our way to an Airbnb in Kutztown, PA.