Date: 2009-07-18
From: Mohican Center Campsite, NJ

To: Culver Gap Campsite, NJ
Miles today: 18.0

Bark and I both woke up pretty early this morning with the sun shining through the clouds. It looked as though it would be a beautiful day. Otter hiked out with us after we were all packed up and full of pop tarts.Once on the trail we headed uphill (of course) stepping over and on top of the very familiar rocks. We thought we had said goodbye to the worst of the rocks for a while, but alas, it continues. Once on top of the ridgeline we saw some beautiful views and a few groups of kids out camping and hiking as well. Otter recently purchased a set of small speakers which he hung from the outside of his pack, and the 3 of us hiked and listened to some tunes until our first break at the Catfish Fire Tower. Lucky Joe came by and enjoyed the view with us for a few minutes before hiking on.The 3 of us continued hiking together throughout the day having some good conversations about various topics. I can always count on Bark and Otter to discuss music for a while; it makes the time pass quickly.Today's weather made things hard to bear. It felt like 100% humidity and around 90 degrees. The cloud cover was nice, but the heat was almost suffocating. We were all soaked with sweat from head to toe in a matter of minutes. Forehead forecast today: Torrential downpours! Sometime after lunch the heat, humidity and rough terrain had gotten to all of us mentally. The song singing had stopped and it was pretty quiet for the rest of our hike down to Culver's Gap.We had originally planned to make it to the second fire tower to camp at the vistas, but with very sore feet and rain showers headed our way we knew it wasn't happening. By this time Otter's feet were really hurting. He took off his shoes to reveal a massive blister on his pinky toe (new shoes). We stopped at Culvers Gap and Otter doctored his feet.To our relief we found a little family owned restaurant right down the street! We hobbled in and downed a few glasses of ice water and some sandwiches. After dinner we sat on the porch waiting for the rain to pass by when we saw Nature and Android walking up. They too said that it had been a very rough day for them mentally. After seeing a large rattle snake on the trail, Nature said she was ready to go home. Thanks to the help and comforting words from Wup Wup, Moe, One Step and Android, she kept on going and is planning on pressing North. They also decided to stop and grab some cold drinks and dinner. Bark and I headed back to the trail with Otter hopeful to find some camping sites for everyone to stay for the night. After a very short walk back into the woods, we had located some nice spots and began to set up our tents...just as the rain began. Oh well, it was time for the rain to return I guess, we have had it too good for a while now.Bark and I are hunkered down for the night, pretty exhausted, but hopeful in what tomorrow will bring. I am reminded on days like today just where my dependence lies- on the Lord. He has to be my strength when I am tired and He is my comfort when the days get long. Days on the trail can definitely be hard, but we are determined to make it all the way!