Date: 2003-06-19
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: light rain

Day 98 Avg Mls/Day 13.4Weather: Warm and muggy. Overcast in morning with periods of light rain. Some hazy sun in the evening.Today's Nature: Got a good look at a black bear. Also, large black snake in the Trail that didn't want to move.Got up around 6 and ate some pastry and an orange while I packed up. Said good bye to Jane; dropped off my towel and was on the Trail before 7. Climbed several hundred feet to a viewpoint that didn't have much of a view...because of the foggy haze. I hiked alone all morning. Made pretty good time. The Trail today did have its share of rocks, but they did not seem as pervasive as in PA. They got better past Culvers Gap.At about 7 miles, near Blue Mtn Lakes Rd, I stopped to use the hand water pump. As I took off my pack I saw this big black bear ambling across the road. He stopped and looked at me...kind of like he was squinting to get me in focus. After 15 seconds or so he just took of into the woods. I did get a picture, but he was back in the woods about 25 yards. About 1:30 I reached the trail to the Brink Road Shelter. Three hikers were on their way out...Goldberry, Miss Kitty and Orb. It was great to see them all and we chatted for the next 3 miles as we hiked to Culvers Gap. On the way, Orb took a spill and sprianed his ankle (we think}. It hurts and he will see what it's like in the morning.In Culvers Gap where the Trail crosses the road, there is the famous Worthington Bakery...it has been treating hikers to fresh baked goods for over 40 years. We can't wait to to scarf down a hot cinamon roll. We walk up to the door and it is CLOSED! It has been closed for 4 days and will re-open tomorrow. Everyone was devastated. I decided to go next door to the Sunset Grill for an early dinner while everyone else hiked on. Finally got a BBQ pork sandwich which none of the restaurants have had until today. While I was eating, I met another customer at the bar. His name is Duke and he runs on the AT and trails in this area. He also does a radio show, "Into Thin Air" on 91.9 WNTI Monday mornings from 6 to 9 a.m. He is planning on doing some discussions with thru-hikers. We had a nice chat and he took me down the road for some good ice cream. Then he dropped me back at the Trail around 5. Thanks Duke...I enjoyed meeting and talking with you.I was considering camping near the road tonight to catch the bakery opening in the morning. It was just a thought as I ended up hiking 3 miles in to Gren Anderson. At the road when Duke dropped me off were Snail and Detour.Here in the shelter when I arrived were Goldberry, Miss Kitty and Orb. Later, Snail & Sally and Magnolia showed up. We are all in the shelter except for Sally who is staying in her hammock out back. I would have tented if the conditions weren't so ripe for thunderstorms. The mosquitoes are out in force and we're all using some kind of deet or repellant. I took 2 ticks off me today...everyone else is finding them too.BTW, Goldberry thinks she saw the same bear as me and gave it the name, Mr. Peabody. Almost everyone saw a black bear today. The book says there is one for every square mile in NJ. There are warnings all over the place about not feeding them.Thought for the Day: The bugs and bears are right at home in NJ.