Date: 2019-07-26
From: Stealth Camping Site 1286.2

To: Stealth Camping Site 1302.5
Miles today: 16.3

I don¢t know why but last night felt like it was the most remote I have camped so far this trip. I did not see another hiker for the last two hours of hiking. There were 2 hikers that walked by as I was setting up camp. Other than that I have not seen anyone. The next shelter is 3 miles away. I guess what added to the creepiness of the site was an abandoned tent and some belongings rolled up hidden behind a log. I¢ve seen abandoned equipment before. It always makes me wonder about the circumstances leading to the abandonment. I made it through the night with no Boogie Man or Bears. I got on trail and headed for the first shelter. I took a short break there and ran into Cricket. I had a few more miles to town. I met many friendly day hikers. As I was getting close to town I chatted with a young man for about 20 minutes. He has traveled the states motocross racing. We walked into town together. I found the church hostel and many hikers were there including Mama Bird, Squeeks, Salad, Cricket, Ira, Rafakki,and others. The church has a bunk house and sitting area. I took a quick shower and washed some dirty clothes in the sink. I left my pack and headed further into town for some food and resupply. I found a pizza place with beer. I had some slices and beers while chatting with other hikers. I then went to the outfitters and got a few things to include an inflatable pillow. The stuff sack with clothes just isn¢t cutting it. Especially because I am down to summer clothes which isn¢t much. Back on trail you cross the Delaware river and into New Jersey. Yeah out of PA and the rock....or so I thought. I met a couple from Costa Rica hiking and I walked and talked to them for about 2 miles. I then met a lady and her son out day hiking. She started asking me all about through hiking, and was amazed. Come to find out she¢s training for a 100 mile Ultra!!! I was totally amazed someone can run for 100 miles! I continued on and there was a beautiful pond, more like a lake. You have to walk around the shore. I saw a beaver swimming in the pond close to the shore so I started taking pictures of it. I heard some rustling behind me. I glanced, there was a small trail coming down from a hill. I went back to taking pictures and the rustling got louder. I looked back and there was a huge beaver with 3 foot long sticks in it¢s mouth running right at me. Scared the crap out of me!!! I found an awesome stealth spot right on the pond with grass, ahhh yea, No Camping ?. So I¢ve told many of stories about how nice people are along the trail and how they help you. I helped two people today. Early this morning a lady was out hiking wearing a sports bra and shorts. She said she forgot her bug spray, so I let her use mine. I¢ve only used it once. This afternoon a section hiker was having a splitting headache and need Advil, so I gave him some of what I had. Before I left the trail I was doing 20 mile days pretty regularly, and not taking much time off. The last two days I have enjoyed lunch in town, and have still hiked over 16 miles without pushing it. I am going to take it easier this second half. If I average 18 miles a day I will finish September 14. If I average 15 miles a day I will finish September 24. So, I am going to cut back on miles most days and enjoy the towns when they come along. Wildlife update: 2 Big Beavers!