Date: 2006-06-11
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: WildCat Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

June 11, Wild Cat ShelterGot up early and because the thru-hikers who were with me claimed to be early risers, I made no effort to be quiet. And sure enough, they did what thru-hikers do, jump up, throw food down their gut and run off down the trail. HomeBrew had tented so he showed up a tad later. I decided to let the thru-hikers do their thing so I took my time doing breakfast and finally got on the trail at 6:45. I knew I won't have a problem with 12 miles so I ended up lollygagging through the remainder of New Jersey. It had gotten really cold last night. So I started in long sleeves and my rain jacket. The wind in the morning was brutal. Top it off with 45 degrees, it was down right mean walking. At least we had no rain. Pretty nice day once I ignored the wind. The day warmed up and the sun shown through the trees. Ground is soggy from all the rain. I played a game to see how long it would be before I got my feet wet. Before exiting New Jersey, I saw what at first I thought were deer. One stopped to look at me and I noticed he had four ears. Antlers. Young buck gang. Very handsome threesome. A number of day hikers out. Most likely cabin crazy from the rain. One fellow I stopped and talked to was looking for Surprise Lake, which he claimed was "right here". And it was. The trail down to the lake is at the state line between New Jersey and New York. He had a very handsome dog with him. Bouveier (sp?). They even ran into a bear on the trail I was on. I got my ¢pet the dog" fix. Then I ran into an older gentleman out with his grandson, on their way to Surprise Lake to go fishing. But first they showed me a vista where if it had been a clear day, they claimed you could see the skyline of New York City. But not today. Grandpa also showed me a rock outcropping that I would have to climb later today. When I got there, there is a ladder going up. Short and sweet. Good thing no one was behind me with my skirt on. Then NY17A. Get off the trail, turn left, go one tenth of a mile to Bellvale Ice creamery. But before I got there, I saw a fox! Very flashy as he ran away. Finally got to the ice cream place. Sat outside getting a beating from the wind when Swamp Fox was standing in front of me. He and Rocky were inside eating ice cream and discussing going into a town because she has run out of M&M's. They invited me to come along. I said no thanks. They decided to go ahead and walk to this shelter and plan their town trip at the next road crossing. We got here and HomeBrew was settled in the shelter. He had decided he wanted a short day. Rocky and Swamp Fox had only walked an eight mile day, so they went on.Shortly afterward, we had some day hikers come by. Luke and his father Chuck. Later Larry showed up. They shared about the bears that like this shelter. HomeBrew and I decide we'll throw bear lines. Chuck had brought up kindling for a fire. They allow fires at the shelter in this state. (no fires permitted in NJ) So we enjoyed a fire. After the day hikers left, another thru hiker has joined us, FastLayne. HomeBrew and he are comparing notes as to where everyone is on the trail. Suppose to be having a gradual warming trend this week. Chance of rain Wednesday. I can live with that. So far, I'm not impressed with NY part of the trail. Rocky and ridge walking on the rocks. With the wind it can be down right scary. Maybe without the wind, I'll have a different opinion.   Namaste'