Date: 2015-05-12
From: Brink Rd Shelter

To: Murray Property
Miles today: 25.0

The dawn's arrival was much appreciated this morning. I was ready to wake up and eat! During last night, I heard something significant breaking branches while walking around my shelter. If it wasn't LittleDebbie or Deadline, it had to have been a bear. Deadline read in-line that this was a notorious shelter where they have had several problem Bears.Another thing happened last night. I had a visitor. I had been sleeping and felt something on my knee. I expected it to be just an itch, but when I reached in my sleeping bag, I found a large millipede. It was large and pretty gross. I tried to toss it out of my tarp while half asleep, but I fumbled him. He dropped somewhere in my tarp. I got my light out, but found that he had already escaped...back into my gear!LittleDebbie and Deadline were patient with me as I was the last one to pack up. Once we did hit the trail, we were moving well. The temperature was already going up and the humidity was brutal. Within minutes of beginning, I was once again soaked to the bone with sweat. Then, since I was wet, the bugs found you even more irresistible. They alternated in-between dive bombing your eyes and attempting to get in your ears. I have to admit they were really good at hitting the ear canal.The trail still was rocky in many places, but the glacial scrapings knocked all of the sharpest edges off. I was very grateful for this improvement. It made a giant difference. The route would take us today .3 miles from the highest point in New Jersey.When we had hiked almost 4 miles, LittleDebbie found a possible coffee pit stop very close to the trail. Both me and Deadline were pumped and ready for some delicious dark roast!LittleDebbie led the way and we turned at a road crossing. We quickly saw the coffee place come into view and realized that it was closed. It was a disappointment, but not too big of a deal. We then saw a tavern just a few doors down. There wasn't much likelihood that it would be open at 9:30am, but it couldn't hurt to check.As we approached, the door was open and the Yuelingling sign was illuminated! After inquiring at the door, we found out that the are open early because they are a "hunter/hiker" bar. The place was called pyes tavern. Based on the old photos and memorabilia, it seems that the original owner was friends with Babe Ruth. They apparently hunted together and knew each other well.The tavern was right on a picturesque lake and had a small tiki bar and super-comfy Adirondack chairs. This was a great place!!We ordered an early lunch and had a few beverages. The food was great and hit the spot. I had a brat and a grilled cheese. The other guys ordered various things to eat. Even smarter, Deadline ordered a chicken sandwich to go.... Boy, he sure enjoyed that later on the trail!As most good things, it was time to go before you knew it. The bar was nice enough to fill our waters and we were on our way!The forest was nice. As we are lower in elevation, spring is further along than it has been. The tree canopy was half full and there was some shade to gave us relief from the sun. Different flowering plants also gave off wonderful aromas.The walk did have a couple of drawbacks. The main one- ticks galore, was something I knew quite well about. Some of Brian F's stories about ticks in the area can make you cringe. I think between LittleDebbie and Deadline, they found four or five. So nasty!The bugs continued to be annoying for the rest of the day with their diligence and aim. Don't get me wrong, I'll take Mosquitos and gnats everyday over ticks...   Our progress today was good. It was a nice combination of breaks and mileage. We did run a little late, but not too bad. Normally, I wouldn't have any thoughts about time of arrival, but I was meeting Brian today. I was super excited about this and look forward to his visit!!He is planning on hiking for a few days. It is great to get the time to hang out with him and especially while backpacking! My directions for us to intersect were vague, at best. It is one of the more difficult things to do. Plus, I can't even begin to imagine how difficult it is to meet up with someone out on the trail.We got into camp at about 6:45pm. I immediately got out my phone and checked for service...      "Yup! Sweet!" I exclaimed over the good news.I texted Brian and he gave a quick response. Unfortunately, the trail was a bit confusing and he had headed the wrong directions. He was ok with it and in a typical "Brian" fashion, he just blew it off as just warm up for his muscles.I met him on the trail and we went back to the "secret shelter" to set up camp and meet the guys. This "shelter" is no shelter. It is amazing. It is wonderful!!! It is so kind for the owner (a former thru hiker) to let "serious hikers" use.The place was an old farm. It had a couple of small living quarters that were tall ceiling, simple affairs with weathered barn wood, steel roofs, and electric. There was also an outhouse, a well with a pump, and an outdoor shower!! The yard was lush and green. LittleDebbie and Deadline stayed in one of the buildings and Brian and I set up our tents nearby.We ate, chatted, and relaxed. Oh, and I did hop in that outdoor shower really quick... How could you not?!??