Date: 2022-06-17
From: Brink Shelter mile 1321.8

To: High Point Shelter mile 1341.5
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: overcast clouds

No rain overnight despite the weather forecast. With the five of us in the shelter was bit crowded and it¢s always a bit noisier than the tent. Packed up and on the road shortly after 7. We were aware of planned trail magic midday so had something to look forward to. Day was already starting out very humid and we were all sweating early even though wasn¢t too hot yet. Coming out to 206 there used to be a Deli right off the trail but it¢s closed now. Back in 2014 the boys and I got ice cream here. Instead we grabbed some cold drinks from a sports shop. Shortly after that we climbed to the top of the ridge and the Culver Fire Tower. Orchid and I climbed up for the views which were really good. Blondie passed us while we were at the fire tower but Smiley and Sojourner hadn¢t arrived by the time we left. At that point Sunrise Mt Pavilion and trail magic was about 3.5 miles away so we started the push there trying to get there by noon which we managed to do. Blondie, Leafblower and Leafblower¢s leafblower were there - yes he is carrying a fully functioning leafblower which has its own trail name and entry in shelter logs. Strawberries, veggies, fruit, chips and a drink were quickly consumed. Blondie and Sojourner arrived and we got a group photo with the three Amish ladies. Pizza showed up and was instantly consumed by the dozen people there. As we were leaving fresh bagels arrived and I couldn¢t turn that down. Heading out, Blondie caught up with us and we ended up hiking with her until we all took a break at the next shelter. Smiley and Sojourner caught up with us and we ended up chatting for a while at the shelter before heading out. We hiked together for a while before we dropped off the end as we were going to Rutherford shelter and they were pushing on to High Point shelter. At the Rutherford shelter I scouted out an unofficial tent site at the top of the ridge about .5 miles north which had some great views east and likely nice sunrise. However when Orchid and I went to get water by the shelter it was barely flowing and Orchid was not particularly happy with the quality. We decided then to push on to High Point. Unfortunately for Pilgrim, he had been telling Orchid how much he liked these shorter days where you didn¢t have to worry the last mile or so about getting into camp. At this point looking at an 7 PM arrival. Oops. The trail end up being very rocky the whole way to the High Point Office. Just missed the office which sells candy, drinks and some hiker resupply. I grabbed some water and ate some of my dinner before Orchid and I headed out. The three Amish ladies had gone into the office and worked on their pickup for tomorrow so they were still at the office when we left. They caught us at the observation platform looking up at the High Point Monument and we all hiked together the last mile into camp.There is a NJ Ridge Runner named Stretch here tonight and we chatted with her and the ladies for a while after setting up camp. Leafblower is here along with several other hikers we¢ve sheltered with before. Ended up finishing dinner after dusk and taking a quick rinse off in the stream after dark. Checked out hotels for Sunday as well so was a late night.The longer day today just means a shorter day tomorrow as the shelter¢s don¢t line up well.Steps 38600Weather Forecast: 85/56 humid and sunny Jen (my awesome video editor) also created a website to consolidate info: https://atwithduckie.wixsite.c...