Date: 2003-06-11
From: Mashipacong Shelter 

To: "Secret" Shelter
Miles today: 12.5

Aloha! "I'm singing in the rain! I'm singing in the rain!" Well, sort of. I was swimming in sweat due to the high humidity and no rain if that counts. Muggy? Geezzz.. You just never can tell what the weather is going to be from one day to the next.   Where's that rain when you need it!   Let's see, what to tell you about today? I believe I can say that New Jersey is my favorite state out of the seven completed to date. That's not just because it's after the PA rock stuff either. It's actually really good hiking. I enjoy the diversity of it mostly.   Rocks, woods, pastures, vistas, monuments, fire towers, mild UPs and downs, crossing old stone walls and new stiles, and just about everything else you can think of. The state is lovely. This has been some great hiking for me.   I believe each day has a highlight or two to it. Had it not been for the fog/clouds, today would have had two. The first would have been the High Point State Park with its mini Washington Monument set atop the highest point in New Jersey.   Prior to arriving at the monument there is an observation platform that supposedly will allow you to see New York City. That wasn't the case for us this morning but I believe there will be other chances tomorrow. Fingers are crossed but breath isn't being held.   The second, which actually became the highlight, is where I'm staying tonight - the Secret Shelter. This shelter is actually a small bunkhouse situated on 85 pristine acres in the middle of... can't tell you. It wouldn't be a secret if I did.   Alumni thru-hiker Jim Murray, Shooter (photographer) from the class of '89, has built this place with facilities available year round for thru-hikers only (no groups). The bunkhouse sleeps 6 relatively well in an L-shaped loft. The downstairs includes a large wash sink and dryer.   Outside you'll find an outdoor shower, an indoor shower (both with hot water), a small front porch, a privy and 85 acres to put up a tent. There is also a second house set up for Jim and/or his friends. Jim has added hiking trails throughout the property and two Sicilian mules for the visitor's amusements.   This place is great and picture postcard perfect. I would absolutely love to own something of this nature. I took some pictures so maybe you'll get to see it! I just won't tell you where it is!   Joining me tonight are ChuckLuck, the Dean Machine, Lindsey, She-Ra, and two "new-to-me" hikers known as Mauka and Makai. I was ecstatic to meet them. I had often heard them referred to as M and M. It turns out that Makai (Hawaiian for ocean) is originally from Wahiawa, Hawaii (real local boy) but hasn't lived there for many years.   Mauka (Hawaiian for mountain) is a mainland gal and that's where they now reside. Both have recently retired from the government and love their retirement party!   That's about it though. After arriving here early in the afternoon I've done little more than watch the mules, skies and chat with you. Guess I should get up off this porch and fix dinner. Spaghetti looks good for tonight. Yum!   You go have a heavy carb load yourself. You'll feel like hiking a mountain tomorrow.BSandTs: lots of sweat -- muggy!AandPs: chronic lower back pain, chronic being the key wordMandGs: itchy bug bites!... benedryl...waah!Critter count: 15x Red Efts (Eft Alley!), 2x chipmunks, 1x turkey hen w/5 chicks, 2x mules, 1x too many ticks on me!