Date: 2007-07-09
From: HIGH POINT STATE PARK

To: POCHUNK MTN SHELTER
Miles today: 14.1

From: High Point State Park HeadquartersTo: Pochuck Mtn ShelterToday's Mileage: 14.1Total Mileage: 1336.0As we were stealth camping, we were up early and walking by 6:30 AM. I think that is the earliest I have ever been on the trail. It rained in the night so we had to pack up wet tents and then carry the extra weight. Both Calamity Jane and I were still sore from all the rock walking yesterday. We climbed up to the Observation Platform where you were supposed to see NYC from, but all we saw was more mountains. There there was a monument that looked like a small version of the Washington Monument We past the spot that was the highest in New Jersey. We walked on all kinds of trails today. The trail did indeed smooth out some after High Point as the ridge runner, Midnight, had said it would. We walked on some very nice trail through some old woods. Again different from the scrub brush we have been going through the last few days. We did some field walking and climbing over styles again. We did a lot of puncheon walking (there are wooden walkways over bogs and marshy areas), and we did some road walking. I like when there is a lot of variety in the day after being out here for so long it helps to pass the time. I also like when there are a lot of landmarks or roads so you know where you are at that point. I could never do what some people do and just walk without maps or books of the trail. I like to know where I am too much. I guess that is why my trail name is SignageWe went into Unionville, New York and took a 3 hour break! (Yes we went into and out of New York today and were walking along the border for awhile). We went to the Holer's General Store which had a deli. Calamity and I got lunch and ate it in their parking lot and then re-supplied snacks and went down to the pavilion in the park and set all our stuff out to dry and shared a pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream and rested for another hour or so. I really don't know what I would do without Calamity at this point. At the beginning it was fine because you saw a lot of other thru hikers every day and stayed at the shelters with them every night but now we are just so spread out along the whole trail! We hiked all day today and saw a group of scouts heading south and a trail maintainer painting white blazes (thank you!) and we are now at the shelter and there is no one else here. I think I could make it but I would be so lonely, I might end up quitting. We really help to keep each other focused on the trip and just in general; we are good company during the day and at night. Besides, it is a safety factor out here. So if you are planning a hike, you can start out alone, but by Virginia, try to find at least one hiking buddy.After our three hour break, (another first) we hiked on to the Pochuck Shelter. We walked by the Walkill River and we made an almost complete circle around the Walkill National Wildlife Preserve. It was neat but we were out in the exposed sun and today has been the hottest day so far so were glad to get back into the woods. The water situation is becoming worse each day and we are very thankful for all the people that are leaving water jugs at the trail heads for us. Our last .5 miles were almost straight up. I guess the trail is just reminding us how hard it is! The shelter has some good camping spots and so we are in for the night.