Date: 2014-06-17
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 20.1

One of those great days. Yes, it was the hottest, most humid, yet. But it didn't matter today. I had a great hike. How humid? I don't know what the weatherman says, but the cooler rocks close to the ground glistened with condensation. I assume this was from the cool rocks in contact with the humid air. After one rocky ascent I found a big cool flat boulder and laid on it, soaking up the coolness. Oddly, no annoying flies or mosquitoes bothered me. It was wonderful. My sweat soaked shirt almost felt chilly when I resumed my hike. It didn't last long but it renewed the spring in my step. And laying there listening to the forest was good for the soul. Before I got to High Point State Park I had a great bear encounter. The trail blazes got scarce and I went 150 feet down the wrong trail. Mr Bear was coming up the trail. We saw each other at the same time. It was definitely much bigger than me. I was trying to remember if I should make eye contact, as we both looked eye to eye. Fascinating. Neither of us moved. Before I could collect myself and grab my camera I clacked my trekking poles together and said "hey bear." He immediately turned and ran, crashing through the brush. I feel privileged that I got to see him up close and eye to eye. At the observation platform near High Point, highest point in NJ, I turned west on a blue blaze. I knew a beach was down there. I could hear the laughter of children, like they were playing in water. It took a little bush wracking, but I emerged from the forest onto a beach. Off went the pack. I emptied my pockets and just walked into the water, shoes and all. It was glorious. Probably left an oil slick of dirt, DEET, and crushed bugs. It felt SO good. I splashed around, rinsing the salt crystals off my clothes. Fish were everywhere in the water. For a moment the hot and humid day vanished. Then I realized the concession stand was open. I sat in the grass eating while my footware sort of dried, and watched the people play in and around the water. So very nice. Meanwhile I pulled off two big deer ticks and one deer tick nymph that was digging in. It was a great break, and recharged me for the second half of the day. After High Point the trail was mostly down. And generally rock free. The land started to flatten a little. Lots and lots of stone walls appeared. The forest became open. There were once fields here. Then the trail led through lush grassy open fields. Then rocky swamps. Board walks over swamp land. A couple steep ups and downs. I was looking for the road into Unionville, NY. I got turned around. Walked up some wrong roads. Signage as to what road I was crossing didn't exist. But I finally found the town, .7 off the AT just like AWOL says. I'm tenting at the town park. It's a great set up for hikers. Food is close. Water. Portapotties. Plug ins for phones on the town market porch. Great little town. My tent is on thick lawn. It's impressive that the town opens its space to hikers. Sharp Knife and Hiccup are the only other thru hikers here. Noises are town noises, not like the forest. But I feel pleasantly tired and pleased with the day. Two 20 mile days in a row. My feet are back to normal. The official crossing into NY is coming up. Can't wait to see what the trail brings tomorrow.