Date: 2005-05-04
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: Rutherford Shelter
Miles today: 15.3

I had company last night. Jaybird arrived just before sunset. He started at Springer this March and so is the second true thru hiked I have met this year. He has thru hiked twice before, the first time in 1995. He lived with his mother in Georgia until she died in 2004, and did 24+-miles today from DWG ¢ so, a strong hiker indeed. He decided to tent, and not go any further, because he wanted to take advantage of the bear box here.   Arose early and had my morning coffee by the light of the stars. Said a [temporary] goodbye to Jaybird and started off. Just about a quarter mile from the shelter, I came across a strange animal. At first I thought that it was a bear cub ¢ not a good thing, since Mama Bear is always close by and she is very, very, protective of her young. I was downwind of it and when it finally detected my presence and moved off to the side of the trail, I could see that it was a huge porcupine. I mean, it must have been 2-3 feet long from snout to tail, with its quills all erect, as it disappeared.   A very pleasant hike along the ridge of Kittatinny, with the sun reflecting in the waters of Lake Owassa, providing a good photo opportunity. Then it was an easy and gradual descent into Culvers Gap. Everything there was closed at 8AM. Worthington¢s Bakery is not only closed, but seems to be in the middle of an extensive reconstruction. The Sunset Grill, Gyp¢s Tavern all still closed at this early hour of the morning. The filling station is just that, no mini-mart attached. I even walked as far as the bait shop, only to find no goodies there either.      As I walked back to the trail, I met with Jaybird, who realy wanted to shop. As we were discussing the various possibilities, a passer-by offered us a ride to the nearest grocery store. My need was not so great, but Jaybird checked it out, while I continued north on the trail.      A smooth climb up out of the gap and the ridge walk resumed. Still rocky in places but definitly easier now than PA. Passed the Culver Fire Tower and shortly after met James and Mrs. Gee. He maintains this 1.5 miles of trail, even though he lives on the Jersey Shore, over 100 miles away. He hopes to win the Lotto, and then hike the entire trail. I wished them both luck, and thanked them for all their hard work ¢ generally underappreciated and mostly unnoticed.      Soon passed the side trail to Gren Anderson Shelter, and had a nice pause at the Sunrise Mountain Pavilion just after lunchtime. It was another great day ¢ temps in the 60¢s with a slight breeze. James and Mrs. Gee said that the forecast is good for the rest of the week.      The trail here, on the descent to Swenson¢s Road crosses over many old stonewalls. Mostly abandoned, they stand in mute testimony to the once thriving communities that occupied these mountains.      At Mashipacong Shelter I encountered the newest privy ever. It is at least half the size of the old shelter itself, and so new that it still squeaks! Sparkling clean and smelling like it was in the Ritz Plaza Hotel; it had toilet paper, hand sanitizer, wastebasket, and enough room to sleep at least four people! A close match to Allentown¢s Privy, but much more modern.   Then it was on here to this shelter. I had a few moments of hesitation at a trail junction that I thought was the trail to the shelter, but lacked a sign. I pushed on and found the correct side trail ¢ with a sign ¢ 0.5 miles later. It is a short ¢ not the official 0.4 miles - but initially steep descent to this shelter, which is old but nice. It is located in a small field-like area, with stones forming a small wall all around.      Feel very good. Did 15+-miles and liked it. Plan on starting early for a planned 19+-mile day in the morning.Thought for today ¢      ¢The high soul chooses the High Road      And the low soul chooses the Low      And in between on misty flats         The rest drift too and fro         But the high soul chooses the High Road         And the low soul chooses the Low         And each man decides         The way his own soul shall go¢