Dayhiking the Delware Water Gap...ahhhh

“Wow, so refreshing!

I just got back from a dayhike in the Delaware Water Gap - Joisey side. Left Copper Mine Rd and headed up the not-Garvey trail (Aside: what's the name of the one that heads to the right of the Falls?? Garvey trail heads left).

Anyhoo, I had hoped to get some use of the trusty snowshoes, but the snow has all compacted down to a mere 6-8 inches, due to recent temps above freezing. I hiked in my Solomon Snow Clogs (they rock!) with EMS low-gaiters and it was great. The shoes have an incredible rubber-toothed sole that really grips. Some may recall that these are the same shoes (well, a newer pair now, but...) that I climber Slide Mtn with on the FYAO I in 2001.

I zig-zagged up the mtn, connecting with the Rock Cores trail and from there I bushwhacked along the mountain stream up to Sunfish Pond. Some killer climbing through snow-covered mountain laurel - beautiful!

I reached Sunfish pond around the Rock Cairns section. I hiked along the Appalachian trail and then detoured onto the Turquoise blazed path (anyone know a name for that one? Bueller...)

I love the far section of the lake, where there is a #&%!$ular cliff-outcropping. I hung out on a big boulder up there and looked out over the pond/lake. The sun was beaming off of the frozen water and I had the place all to myself. All I could hear was the trickle of water from the nearby drainage creek, birds chirping...ok, and occasionally a small plane overhead (arrrgggh!)

It was nice. I ate my obligatory snickers bar, downed some water and then headed back. Since I hate to backtrack (why I bushwhack a lot) I took the Garvey Springs trail back down to my car.

It was a nice day to be out. :o)”

“that garbled word up there was supposed to be "peninsular" - methinks I may have made a typo and been censored!

ohmagawd, LMAO!!!
>;D”

“Sounds like a cool little trip, AmyG. I've been wanting to check out Sunfish Pond, I'll have to head up there sometime soon.”

“i bushwhack a lot too, glad you had fun. you should come on the loyalsock trip.”

“Ahhhhrrrggg! there is crumbs all over the keyboard!

I love Sunfish Pond too, although I have never been up the route that Amy took. Too bad the snow was compacted, but it sounds like it was beautiful nonetheless.”

“Hey! How'd you get up Old Mine Rd????? Isn't it closed?”

“Cool trip.........”

“How the heck did you get peninsula censored? LOL!

Sounds like a fun day Amy. However, I hate it when you hike in my neighborhood and not invite me. ;o)

The trail to the right of the Garvey is the Douglas Trail. The turquoised blazed trail is actually called The Turquoise Trail. How creative!

That spot overlooking Sunfish is a neat spot. Shhh, don't tell anyone.

Old Mine Road is closed about 8 miles up from rte 80, at the Depue Rec area. I haven't driven up to it yet to see why it is closed.”

“We were at the Walpack Inn yesterday and we had to go through Blairstown...which wasn't a big deal because I think it is faster anyway. We took a ride past Buttermilk Fall which looked pretty with all the snow. Saw where Pennsy parked to head up to Hidden Falls.”

“It's a nice area, although I have been up that side of the Gap only once, and I didn't see much of Sunfish Pond.

Glad you had a nice time.”

“Adventurist - the road is closed...you wouldn't believe what I had to do to get past the ranger. ;o)

Pennsy - it was an impromptu jump, per usual. I'll give you a heads-up next time. I plan on getting in a lot of hiking within the next few weeks, since I am "in between" jobs right now. Shoot me an e-mail with your #! AmyG@backpacker.com

jmitch - I would loooove to go on the Loyalsock trip, but that weekend is just not doable. I bet the creek will be beautiful with the snow and all.

Fritz, that fog happens up there a lot! Once, right near that spot in your picture (near the memorial, along the AT) a friend of mine said he was approaching the monument and suddenly the fog cleared away and what he thought was the monument was really a BEAR! What a moment that must have been!
I still have yet to see one up there...sigh”

“Nice report. I think the Jersey side is the best in terms of different terrain - glacial lakes, etc. I have been by Sunfish Pond on the A-Trail, but have not yet gone up from down below.

I was confused by your description at the start of your narrative. The auto road is the Old Mine Road, while the Coppermine Trail is a foot trail the goes past some old coppermines. Both terms derived from the fact that the Dutch came down from New York to work the copper mines in the expectation that great riches awaited them. In fact, only copper ore smudges on the native sandstone and shale were found - not very productive in the long run. The names endure, adding richness to the tapestry of the region.

You can find trail maps and books about the region at the Park Service visitor center off I-80. I always seem to find something there that takes a few shekels out of my pocket.”

“sorry Geo- yeah, it is the Old Mine Road that I hiked from. Thanks for the correction. As you can read above, I am not always clear on the names. LOL

I agree that Jersey side of the gap is far more interesting. I try to get up to Sunfish at least once or twice a year. There are so many interesting side trails and waterfalls (bushwhack).

The visitor center was closed!! I had hoped to add yet another book to my collection, since I don't have the Harriman Park (NY) guides yet. I know they carry them!!
I also like seeing the new additions to the pictures section of the wall there...they always have bears, snakes, eagles, etc”

“Once again drives right by my house and leaves me home with my wife...................sniff sniff”

“yeah me too!”

“There is a small lake/swamp along the AT north of Crater Lake and south of the Brinks Road that I like. I think they discourage camping there so it has a more natural appearance than Sunfish Pond.

Other favorites: Rattlesnake Ridge, Buttermilk and Hidden Falls, the Coppermine Trail (great blueberries on the bench of land above the waterfall in season), Raccoon Ridge (especially during fall migration season, when there are birders up there doing their counts and calling the locations and identifications out).

My brother tells me that access to Raccoon Ridge from Yards Reservoir is now restricted due to homeland security, and birders and hikers are among those no longer able to use their road for access. Only access is the Kaiser Road from the Coppermine Traip parking lot, the first part of which is very steep (but then so is the Coppermine Trail, so it all works out).

I especially like seeing the glacial geology. Glaciated areas are quite unique. It all falls into place after awhile.”

“I think Sir Pete and the Masked Marauder are an item. Start the rumours!!

Amy - tell me about the road closure? I thought it was closed 8 miles up from 80. That's what the sign says anywho. Where you parked was only a few miles up, right?”

“Damn, I pressed enter before typing anything!

Anyway...

Dare and I decided to do a "Men Only" dayhike on Sunday to be prepared for hauling all the gear in for AmyG next weekend.

We originally wanted to start by going up the Coppermine Trail but the Rd. is closed at the border of Worthington State Forest and the National Park.

So we turned around and parked by the Northwest/ RockCore Trail.

We chose to use our snowshoes on this dayhike since the snow was pretty slippery and the snowshoes gave us the extra traction for climbing.

The Northwest trail goes up at a fairly good rate and we wound up stopping a few times to shed our jackets/ chug some water to keep from sweating! Phew! Along the way we also saw the rock coring from long ago and wondered where they came from and how and why they were at that particular spot?

We eventually got to a point where the trail started leveling off but then it seemed to traverse downward where it would eventually meet up with the Garvey Springs Trail.... so we decided to just bushwhack at a steep angle to shorten the distance. At first it seemed we were in the wrong spot but we wound up finding the trail.

We came upon Sunfish Pond in no time and were greeted by its frozen wonder. It was neat the way there seemed to be dark spots across the ice the appeared to be melting.... but then we realized it was just snow blowing across the pond like sand blows across a desert. We decide to try out the ice so we walked out about 10 feet and brushed the snow aside to find some pretty thick ice! We decide to cut across the one corner of the pond and meet back up with the Turquoise Trail on the other side.
We then took the Turquoise Trail to where it joins and follows the Sunfish Fire Road.

At the point where the Turquoise Trail splits off again we decide to grab lunch out of the wind...
I made a 5yr old Mountain House meal for the 2 of us while Dare shared his wonderful meal of Juice Boxes and Beef Jerky....
(I think AmyG taught him how to cook)

After lunch and laughing about things that AmyG says and does we decided to loop around near Yards Creek Reservoir. Along the way we saw some awesome views from the Mt. Tammany Fire Road. We also spotted many different animal tracks in the snow including fox, deer, voles, mice, and a bobcat that seemed to be scooping up voles and mice!

After looping along Yards Creek we met back up with the Sunfish Fire Road we follow our tracks back to the car...along the way breaking into a sprint or two.

All in all we had a Butt-Kick'n Day Hike! I calculate from the map that we did approximately 12 miles on snowshoes! I feel good about that!

Sorry No Pictures!!!! Which equals no evidence of face-plants in the snow!”

“Nice report. I gotta get up there soon.”

“We should definitely plan a dayhike for there! I'd be happy to go.”

“How deep was the snowpack up there? I was in the foothills of the Poconos over the weekend snowshoeing and cross country skiing and it was from 15 to 24 inches.”

“It was probably only 6-8 inches...”

“Looks like they didn't get as much snow out there. I thought there would be more with the last storm we just had on top of the existing snowpack.”

“Adventurist - I'm thinking of going up there the weekend after FYAO for a dayhike, if you or anyone else wants to join me.”

“I think I have plans for Saturday but I "might" be up for that Sunday.....”

“Cool, I'm flexible. We can worry about it next week.”

“Starting at the PA/NJ parking area, you can make a nice loop trail on Mt. Tammany with the AT on the Northside and the jeep road on the southside.”

“Thanks for the hike report, Advent. I've been up and around Sunfish Pond area several times now, and wouldn't mind doing another dayhike again anywhere in the DWG area. So Artex, et. al., keep me in mind, okay? ...that is, if your butts ever thaw out after this coming weekend in the Daks ...it's gonna be cold up there ...Brrrrrr!”

“MSilver, cool, will do. Capn Bobo, you should come along as well. :-)”

“This sucks.You guys are going to be dayhiking , practically in my backyard, and I'll be here, at work.There's no justice!!!!”

“It was a cool dayhike. I love the snow because you can see all of the animal tracks. We saw some that might have been a bobcat, but not sure about it.

I hate to admit it, but my legs were freakin tired after 12 miles. The snowshoes really help with climbing and some areas had enough snow that they were needed. Note: No face plant this time.

As for the cooking, I have to admit, Adventurist can cook. Unlike some people, he didnt burn anything to the pot. I wasnt planning on eating a whole lot, but after that climb it was more then welcome. You're my hero...

The ice crossing was pretty cool and after letting Adventurist go first, I was pretty confident that we would not fall through. It was kind weird being out there, just me being paranoid though. It was a great trip overall. Nice to get out and strech the legs

Im up for another dayhike at the DWG. Just let me know where and when.”

“That's an impressive hike guys. I'm impressed!

I'm up for a dayhike the Sunday after FYAO. We can talk about it at FYAO but I'll toss in a suggestion: Start with the Mt Tammany loop for a great vista (and a butt kicking 1.5 mile climb), up the Dunnfield Creek Trail (beautiful!) to Sunfish Pond. From SP we could do the loop around the pond (1.9 miles) or not, and complete the loop by returning via the AT.”

“Pennsy Hiker's plans sound groovy to me!”

“No way I can make another hike until March at the earliest, but I'd be up for a Kittatinny loop trip later this year.”

“Bummage Bobo.. but March will be here before ya know it. Man, I can't believe we're only about a month away from spring...”

“nice job guys! I wish I could have made it on this one, but it sounds like it was a great bashing bonding experience.

So...I heard a few "extras" that you missed in the report! Here, let me help you...

Adventurist forgot his gaiters and hiking poles but remembered 2 stoves and enough food to feed an army for 3 days.

Dare had all of his proper attire (and then some)...wore his snowpants AND gaiters, but only brought a jiuce box (a juice box?!!) and a bag a beef jerky.

Official title: Dork Duo does Delaware WG.

>;p”

“AmyG = The Official Dork of TT?

I talked to Ice Tea last night, and he mused that it was you! I think he's right. ;-)”

“Ziptex...

many such an accusation has been made, but I have an alibi!!!

(have been in WFR training for the past 4 days)
>;p

I think I know who it is though...”

“WFR - Winterized Frozen Rearend?”

“I had my gaiters...

I just chose not to wear them...

Unlike Darren who had them on when he got out of the truck.

I think it has been drilled into his head that he must wear them at ALL times....”

“Even in bed?”

“silly Artex...that would be garters and, yes, he wears them around the house. He likes to sing I feel prettyyyyy, oh so prettyyyyyyyy while he cooks me dinner.


heheheh...I am eeevil.
>;p

WFR = Wilderness First Responder
(I am testing for certification next month)”

“Ice Tea was speculating who the Official Dork of TT was?

Now that's funny!”

“LOL! Ah ha!!! So Ice Tea lied to my face.. errrr, ear.. over the phone last night!

Guess who's going to have some rocks in their backpack this weekend... heh heh heh.”

“I brought two Juice boxes and a bottle of water. I did bring Beef Jerky, but why eat it when John is cooking a 4 course meal. I was wearing my Gaiters in the truck, I admit it. I can't help it, gear just looks cool.

Hey, I like garters, the silk ones dont pull my leg hairs out. And I have an excellent singing voice. Let face it, someone has to wear something sexy, and no.....a winter hat and down booties doesnt count.”

“Hey everyone.

Mrs. Adventurist did a dayhike at the Water Gap today. We went up the Dunnfield Creek Trail to Sunfish Pond and came back on the AT. While we were stopped to take some pictures we ran into some crazy lunatic that I felt like running in a full sprint from! He was dressed really scary! He started ramblimng on and on about the weather and the alignment of sun and moon....I didn't pay much attention. Be cautious out there! Its probably just better to run away from people like that!!!

Here are some pictures of our hike:

Dunnfield Creek to Sunfish Pond”

“That was supposed to be Mrs. Adventurist and I did a dayhike today....”

“Nice pics.

What a coincidence! I was on the same trail this morning. I didn't see a lunatic but I ran into a dork and his wife.”

“I've been on that hike a lot, it's my fav in NJ. I've never had problems. How was the guy dressed?”

“Like Pennsy Hiker...”