Date: 2014-07-04
From: High Point Shelter

To: Pochuck Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Happy Independence Day, everybody!Yesterday I raced across the ridge in the afternoon and made it to the High Point Shelter just before the thunderstorm arrived. Thor the Red wasn't so lucky. He was within a mile of the shelter on an exposed section of the ridge when the lightning started and, to get down as quickly as possible, took a side trail that led him in the opposite direction of the shelter and instead to High Point State Park. All the buildings there were closed, except for the rest rooms, so that's where he hunkered down for the night, on the floor of the mens room. He showed up first thing this morning at the shelter in the pouring rain, eager to tell us about his narrow escape from the storm. He had emailed me a cryptic message last night, so I wasn't worried when he didn't show up at the shelter, but I didn't get the details until this morning.We went to sleep in the shelter listening to the heavy rain from the passing thunderstorm and woke up to heavy rain from the outer edge of Hurricane Arthur. All the water made for sloppy trail conditions this morning. I tried at first to keep my feet dry by avoiding the puddles and streams along the trail but eventually decided it was hopeless and began slogging through ankle-deep water at times. After suffering through extreme heat the last two days, I had to blow on my hands to keep them warm while hiking this morning.We had decided to celebrate the 4th by stopping in Unionville, NY for lunch and a beer at the Wits End Tavern. This section of the AT is odd in that it jogs north into New York for a mile or two before resuming its march across the northwest corner of New Jersey. By the time we arrived at the tavern after having hiked eight miles in the rain, we looked like drowned rats. Or rather hungry drowned rats. I must say, the rodeo burger I had may have been the best burger of the trip so far. So good in fact that I convinced Thor the Red, Space Blanket, and Red Leg to have one for their second course. The others were intent on celebrating the 4th with a bit more gusto than I, so when Thor and Space Blanket each ordered their second pitcher, I took my leave, eager to put in at least some meager mileage for the day.Before leaving Pennsylvania, I was concerned that the rocks that were tormenting us would continue after we crossed the border. Fortunately, my fear proved unfounded. To be sure, there are rocks on the trail in New Jersey, but not the menacing daggers that protrude from the ground for miles at a time in Pennsylvania. By the time thru-hikers reach New Jersey, they've become hardened, perhaps even desensitized, to the extreme rockiness, such that the trail through New Jersey feels like a piece of cake. As long as you don't mind a bit of lightning, that is.Today the trail broke out into farms and fields, reminiscent of the scenery in Virginia. For someone whose main experience with New Jersey is driving to Philadelphia along the Jersey Turnpike, this was a pleasant surprise. Several times today the trail crossed long swampy sections on boardwalks, parallel elevated wooden planks that extend in places for a quarter mile or more.I'm alone at the Pochuck Mountain Shelter tonight, the third time on the trip I've had a shelter all to myself. As I listen to the fireworks down in the valley, I'm feeling a certain freedom and independence that seems appropriate for this day.