New Jersey

So, start looking for me to tick off states now! I left Delaware Water Gap and moved into New Jersey! Everyone said PA was bad with their rocks, well Jersey is bad with their trails. There have been bushes covering the trail to the point of wondering if you are going the right way. "Morel", "Spice Rack", and I actually did get semi-lost one day. Luckily, I turned things around by telling them it did not look right, and they listened! Anyway...
Spice Rack and I left Delaware Water Gap, PA around noon on the 28 June 2005. Yes, we are no good at getting an early start out of towns! So, we had to climb up onto a ridge, but luckily it was an easy, well graded trail. We made it up to Sunfish Pond where we decided to set down our packs for an afternoon break. Little did we know we were on the other side of the bushes from "Morel". We talked with him a bit and all three of us decided the pond looked too nice not to get in as the day was hot and humid! A nice swim led to sunning ourselves on the rocks and reading a passage from Travels with Charley by Steinbeck. It was a beautiful day. Around 3:30pm, the three of us decided to travel on to the YMCA camp for the night! The camp was a little difficult to find, but once there it was a nice rickety cabin by the lake/pond. We listened to the frogs croaking throughout the evening. That was probably the best night of sleep I have had on the trail! There were beds in the cabin.
The next morning, we were all slow moving to get out of the camp. Luckily, "Spice Rack" and I were only going a short distance of about 4miles. We convinced "Morel" to join us in our slacking off. It has been nice hanging with him again! A pass through Cluvers Gap allowed me beer and grilled cheese to power me into camp. It rained mostly all day! My Patagonia sports bra is not very good at wicking away moisture and I will look to my husband to send me the tank top I asked for! Camp was nice and we had a full shelter.
From the Gren Anderson Shelter, we had another short day to the "secret Shelter" on the Murray property. It was a beautiful farm land area where we had a little cabin to stay in with a shower and a sink. It was a beautiful area and we saw skunk, woodchuck, racoon, and mating mules. The cabin was warm and my fellow hikers left me alone in there to pitch their tents outside. So, I pitched my tent inside the shelter, opened the windows, and slept soundly! It was great! I had to laugh.
Today was a glorious hike into Vernon, NJ. Not much up and I ran into "Iron Foot" again. We hiked together for a bit and talked about our 2nd or 3rd day sitting the south side of Blood Mtn trying to decide whether to go over it or go around it. It is always great running into "Iron Foot" as he and I started together and hopefully will finish aroudn the same time. Just as I came to the road, there was a farmers market to the left. I found Bubble Gum ice cream, Chocolate Milk, peaches, and plums. It was wonderful. I indulged! Spice Rack arrived and we caught a hitch into town. The guy who picked us up knew exactly where to take us and drove like a bat out of... The town seems nice and the St.Thomas Church is a great hostel place with all the hiker ammenities: shower, laundry, internet, and sodas. What more could a person ask for? Maybe my bed from home.
So, anyway, things are going well still on the trail. The humidity is a bear, but I have not seen the bears people say are everywhere in Jersey. Maybe they will come lick my toes in New York or futher North! Looking to possibly do a mountain top for the 4th or hang with the monks! We will see where the trail takes us!
I continue to look forward to seeing my husband and am counting down the days! He is on my mind constantly and always in my heart. This trip has made me realize just how wonderful he is and what an impact he has on my life. I love you my darling with all my heart!