The Promised Land is in sight...and it looks an awful lot like New Jersey

Now, I know I've built this up way too much in my mind. That realistically, the trail will not morph into a flat, grassy path rolling through fields of wildflowers, with overly tanned guys named Guido popping up every few miles offering hot pastrami sandwiches. I realize that Jersey won't be quite that idyllic. But the important thing is that it will NOT be Pennsylvania. And we cannot get out of this state fast enough.
The last few days with the rocks--ugh. First, there was the utterly pointless and slightly scary climb up Lehigh Gap, after which Pancho had a small meltdown. Followed by the trek across an open ridge, baking in the sun, through an EPA Superfund site. Very scenic. Then yesterday morning, with only 20 miles to Delaware Water Gap and the Jersey line, we decided we were going to make it. To hike our longest day with full packs and to get the hell out of PA.
The first 10 miles were more of the same rocky nightmare, leading to my own minor meltdown. After some lunch and some drugs and slightly better trail conditions, things were looking up and we were headed for town. Crossing a ridge about 5 miles out, the thunder, lightning, and torrential rain began. Wind blowing the rain sideways. Tornado sirens going off in the valley below us. Pennsylvania giving us a giant two-bird salute. Back atcha, PA.
We finally rolled into town, scored a room in an 1856 inn (huge Second Empire with awesome porches. Pix to come...), played trivia in the bar with 2 hiker buddies, drinking $2 Yuenglings. Pretty good end to the day. And took today off. Heading to a BBQ for hikers at the local church, then back to the inn bar for live jazz.
I do have to qualify my anti-PA rant. The southern part of the state was great for hiking, with rolling fields, lots of historic farms, and great shelters. The northern part sucks as far as hiking conditions go, and has some truly awful shelters. Overflowing privy--I'll say no more. But throughout the state, we've met some awesome people. The local folks at the Port Clinton Hotel bar, who were loads of fun and bought many rounds for the hikers. The boy scout troop we've been hiking with for the past week. Kathy at the Filbert BnB in Danielsville, who picked us up on the road after the rough day in Lehigh Gap with glasses of cold lemonade in the car.
So we're very happy to head into NJ tomorrow, but very thankful for all the folks who made PA bearable.