Date: 2004-06-30
From: Backpacker Campsite #2

To: campsite past Mohican Outdoor Center 
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, I just had an exciting moment. Just about 20 minutes ago I was dozing in my hammock which I set up next to a beautiful cliffside view. I had decided to call it a day early as I was just not feeling it today. I have made camp at this wonderful spot overlooking the valley in a nice huckleberry patch. I was told about this spot by Crazypace, a local hiker. He even left a map at a shelter for me! (Thanks Crazypace for the great tip.) As I was relaxing around 5pm, about to doze off, I heard a noise nearby. I am not generaly concerned about rustlings in the woods, but this sounded kind of big and close. I looked from the hammock and could only see some bushes moving about 20 yards or so away. Deer? Hikers? I got up and stood up on a big rock in my camp and what do I see but two bear cubs frolicking about. No doubt eating all my wild blueberries! I scaned all around for mother while getting my camera out of my pack, but I didn't see her. {A noise right behind me just freaked ! me out! It is just a damn squirrel. Whew!} Anyway, back to the story. I was getting nervous because they were heading my way and I still didn't see Mom. I made a little noise and right in front of me, from out of the bushes, Mom stands up. She was pretty big too. The cubs shot up the nearest tree, thankfully behind Mom. She seemed caught by surprise, but not angry. Almost like she was having trouble seeing me or figuring out what I was. So we checked each other out for a moment. Finaly I said "Go on, Mom." and that snapped her out of it. She started moving away very quickly then. She went to the base of the tree that the cubs climbed and stopped, still looking at me. The cubs were in full Three Stooges panic mode and scrambling all around, cimbing trees, changing their minds and jumping down only to climb another. I picked up my hiking poles and hit them against a rock to make some noise. The cubs jumped out of their lastest tree and took off, mom following right behind. They just ran a short way and went up another tree. That's not good as they can't wait for me to leave 'cause I'm not going anywhere. I kept banging my poles and they jumped down took off for good.I got a couple of pictures, but forgot that the digital camera my friend, Darrell, just loaned me has video. I could have had a really cool movie, Damn! Maybe next time. I just went a short distance away and hung up my bear line for my food. Extra high tonight! I have heard that New Jersey has some of the highest bear concentrations on the trail. As high as one bear per square mile. A hiker saw one circling the campground where we slept last night. The campsite even had bear-proof food lockers and bear-poles for everyone to put their food. I hope everyone is careful with food while camping in this area! I'm afraid to take a nap now, I may wake up with bear cubs sleeping in my hammock and a pissed off mom!It's getting chilly here in my hammock now. Clouds have moved in. {just heard another noise, hiker this time. It's going to be a long night if this keeps up!} I just put on another shirt since I jumped up just now. I have to admit I'm a little nervous now...It's been a looong time since I've been so jumpy in the woods. Well lets just say I have a healthy respect for bears. I'm just starting to think I'm camped right in their favorite spot. Oh well, it is a great spot and they will just have to share.It's dark now and I'm just sitting in my hammock writing, and someone down in the valley below just can't wait for the 4th of July. They have been setting off fireworks all evening. Now that it is dark they are shooting off some nice aerial shells. I have seen fireworks for sale around Pennsylvania but did not pay too much attention. They must sell some kick-ass fireworks in PA if they bought them here. Well, it's getting cool and I want to get up early to make up for my slack day today. I just couldn't seem to get in the groove. Also the mosquitoes are out in force, so I'm off to bed.