All Hallows’ Day, and the end of Daylight Saving Time. For most people, that means an extra hour of sleep, but when your goal is to be on top of a mountain for sunrise, it doesn’t work that way.
The alarm was set for 3:30am. I was joined by friends who wanted to watch the fall raptor migration at the Raccoon Ridge hawk watch in the Delaware Water Gap, and to be there for sunrise. My own mission was to do the quarterly maintenance of my section of the Appalachian Trail, a roughly two-and-a-quarter-mile section that spans Worthington State Forest and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Sunrise on the Kittatinny Ridge
The total hiking distance today would be 9 miles. We did arrive on the ridge close to sunrise, which was pretty colorful.
Walking along the ridge, I also got to see Mount Tammany, covered in orange and red foliage, glow at sunrise. It was a scene I’d never quite experienced.
Right after sunrise, looking west from the ridge, the Delaware River was shrouded in clouds.
Trail Work
Leaving behind our friends at Raccoon Ridge, my son and I continued along the trail.
As it turned out, it was light work today. No blowdowns on the entire section, and only some minimal trimming back of brush was needed. We added some large rocks and logs to try to dissuade hikers from following an abandoned trail.
Along the way, I heard a noise rustling the leaves. Slowly climbing a tree was a porcupine, who clearly was afraid of us.
Sunfish Pond
We reached Sunfish Pond, which at that time in the morning, with light winds, was still a mirror-like surface, reflecting the trees along the shore, some still holding on to their fall colors. After a brief break and snack, we turned around and made our way back.
Upon reaching Raccoon Ridge, we learned today was a bust bird-wise. No raptors today, but they did see a snow bunting.
For me, any day outside beats a day inside, and this was yet another great fall day.