Date: 2008-05-31
From: DWG

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: moderate rain

We found out the day before that the AT went right up the road that the CC was on. So, we had taken a drive down to where I was planning on starting - just to make sure that we could find it. And, of course we could because the white blazes went right down the road.The SQ dropped me off in DWG and I walked down the road to the starting point that I picked which was right next to I80.We took a few pictures and she walked a short ways toward the bridge over the Delaware. As we walked I had to make sure that she knew how to get home. So, I kept quizing her on the roads she was going to take.   Gave her a big hug and I was off.   Very exciting.The traffic on I80 was really heavy and loud. I couldn't wait to get into the woods. Lots of day trippers in the parking lot of the Worthington State Forest. But, I never saw any of them on the trail. The trail was a gradual climb. Not really bad, just pretty rocky. I guess it was rockier than I was anticipating, but I should have known it was the same geology as PA. Within the hour it began to thunder and the rains came. It came pretty quick and I was slow to get my rain gear on so I got soaked. The rain didn't last very long, but it didn't matter because I was already wet.Within the hour - I saw my first deer. I actually ended up seeing two during the day. It is always great to see the wildlife. Both of them were actually right on the trail. I made it to Sunfish pond in good time. Making it around the pond was a different story. Lots of rocks and lots of extraneous trails. I almost fell on some rocks and did end up losing the trail for about 10 minutes before I realized that I hadn't seen a blaze and had to backtrack. Hate when that happens.The sun finally came out and it was beautiful.   Came across the biggest black snake that I have ever seen lying right on the trail. I took a picture and had to wait for him to mosy on by. Due to the wetness - I slipped going down a flat rock and scrapped my leg all up. It was one of those - one minute you are up and the next minute you are down. Totally took me by surprise. I then couldn't get up with my pack on, so I had to take it off. Bummer. Hate when that happens too. Finally made it to the road that the MOC is on. Great first day, but I was glad to be done. I got to the door of the lodge, but they were closed until 4pm. As I was sitting outside waiting a hiker came up. She had already been staying there - trying to lessen her load by eating food.   She had to be the shortest hiker I have met. Seemed like she was barely 4 foot, but she told me later she was 4'7". Her name is Baggins. (from Lord of the Rings). I had really wanted to see her gear, but she didn't hike out when I did in the AM.   Maybe our paths will cross again. The cost to stay was more than the book I have says. Comes to find out I was probably charged more because I wasn't a thru hiker. Oh, well. Sucks, but what can you do. I was glad to be out of the rain because more storms were expected. They are supposed to have live music tonight. Pretty cool. The place is run by the AMC. There were a few trail crew members staying for a meeting in the AM, plus a group of girl scouts and a few other people.   Had a great bird day today. Towhee, thrush, lots of ovenbirds, a few warblers that I couldn't ID without my binos, lots of song sparrows and some peewees.   It is great to be back out here again.