Date: 2014-07-12
From: fire lookout tower

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

Decent nite sleep but it did get cool so I had to put on my long sleeve shirt. Up at 6:40 packed up and had my cereal. Sherpa Mom and Waldo past by. On the trail at 7:40. Trail was still rocky and slow. We were on the ridge line so we did get some views mostly trees. We met Sherpa Mom and Waldo again at the stream where we all got water. He was returning to the car and she was hiking on.Past the Andersen Shelter then had a rocky climb up to Sunrise Mt. There was a pavilion there so we took a snack break at 9:15. Fitty Shrimp came by and continued on the trail. The day was warming up with lots of sun. We left at 9:45. Still more rocks and ridge line rocks to deal with. Got to Mashipacong Shelter at 11 for lunch. There were jugs of water in the bear locker. I filled one of my bottles. Had peanut butter and cheese with an apple for lunch. Left at 12:05.The trail was still slow going due to the rocks. Passed the Rutherford Shelter at 1:20. Interestingly the NJ shelter signs are small white signs which could be missed if you weren't sure where you were. 3 1/2 miles to food.The trail did flatten some but still had rocky sections. Got to Park Headquarters crossed the road and field and into the woods. The trail was flat for 1/2 mile then we had a rocky climb. Got to the wooden lookout tower at 3:30. Great view of the high point monument and of the 3 states. Headed down the hill to the lake and snack bar arriving at 4. Fitty Shrimp was finishing his meal. Ordered a double burger, 2 teas and pizza. Just relaxed and watched the people. Got another double burger and ice cream.Very crowded with picnicers and swimmers. A lady came up to ask about our hike then her son and husband came by to chat. Before we left another lady stopped by to ask about the hike and was very interesting in cost, time, etc. She wants to do it but she had 2 kids ready for college plus some medical issues. I suggested section hiking NJ and NY in the summer since she is a teacher. Gave her some websites to check out information.We left at 6:10 to head to the trail since we only had 1 mile to go which we did in 25 minutes. Fitty shrimp was tented. There were 2 weekend hikers and a ridge runner at the shelter all in tents. Visited with them then talked with Obsidian. He is off trail on 7/19 and back on at 7/27. The train returns at 11 or 2. Told him I will message him where I'm at to possibly meet up. He also has to be done by 9/19 since his visa expires on the 20th. This would mean he is a week ahead of me in the end.Smoky the Beard and Smurf arrived to tent. They have been doing some shorter day. They are on a limited budget but ending up getting 3 pitchers of beer at Blue Mountain bought by others..In tent by 9 to journal. Warm nite with lots of gunfire in the valley. Feet feel okay but still with a pinch if I step wrong. Just feeling tired at the end of the day but so is Obsidian. Could be the heat, the rocks or the 1300 miles.A fair day not as quick as we could have gone but good food at the snack bar. Good views of NJ. Good visit with the tourists.I will miss hiking with Obsidian. We had the same pace and outcomes. I hope I can meet up with him after NYC. I was in a small group of hikers but will obviously be with a new group when I return. I may see many of the people I had hiked with earlier.