Date: 2007-06-30
From: Pochuck Mountain Shelter, NJ

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 6.5

Today's hike was going to be short and I had no problem getting up early for it. The trip was going to be only 6.5 miles into the town of Vernon, New Jersey. I began hiking with Climber up Pochuck Mountain. It was steep and rocky, but a relatively quick passage. Once again today, we walked on catwalks, puncheons, or bog bridges (whatever they call them) through swampy and marshy spots along the trail as well as nicely forested areas. One wetland area is designated for bird watchers and the catwalk through it is used as the Appalachian Trail and as a pedestrian bridge for people looking at birds and waterfowl who live in it.Climber and I had plenty of opportunities to stop and chat with people about our hiking trip during our hike today. She has one more day on the trail to finish up a three-week section, then she'll return to Boiling Springs, North Carolina, for a few days before heading to Mexico for a vacation with her husband.At the end of our three hour hike, we were eager to stop at Heaven Hill Farm. It is like a farmer's market and bakery all in one. By 10:15 AM. we were eating ice cream and apple dumplings outside during this beautiful morning. Symbol, Toto, and Spunky showed up and told us about their day.By the time we finished our ice cream and our chat with the other hikers, we tried to figure out how to get to the hostel for the night. Neither of us was sure how to get there, but it just so happened that a taxi driver showed up at the Heaven Hill Farm. She was doing her own shopping and Climber and I paid a small fee in return for a quick ride. It worked out well. It's amazing how "things" (often) come together at the last minute to make things easier for hikers.The idea for a short hiking day today was to get into the hostel early, after last night's hikers had cleared out so that the shower and laundry facilities would be free and I wouldn't have to wait in line if I arrived late in the afternoon. Anyway, Climber and I timed it just right when we arrived at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church hostel.The church allows hikers to stay overnight in their basement/fellowship hall for a $10 donation. That entitles you to the use of a washer and dryer, and to a hot shower. The church also supplies clean towels, soap, and shampoo. It was interesting to visit the original church on this property that was built in 1847!It was great to get a hot shower and to finally wash my clothes. The last time I washed my clothes was in Delaware Water Gap in the sink of the motel. There are no laundry facilities in D.W.G.After a shower, I headed to the grocery store for a few things. I really only needed a few snacks and whatnot, but walked out with about twenty-five bucks worth of junk food - and then I stopped at Burger King for more junk food. I don't feel too bad about it. According to the bathroom scale here at the hostel, I've lost eight pounds in the past three weeks. Of course, a few hours later, I joined the other eleven hikers staying here for pizza at Little Anthony's pizza.It's getting late. I like to be asleep by 7:30 PM. My body needs it and tomorrow will be a long, hot day.Staying at the hostel tonight: (7 men and 5 women) Climber from Boiling Springs, NC; Batman from Bat Cave, NC (a small town near Asheville, NC); Ziola; Salaam; Focus; Fire Marshal; Beach Bum; Backyard Boogie; Low Gear; Eulah; Walnut; and Big Gulp.