Date: 2003-07-20
From: High Point Shelter

To: Vernon N.J.
Miles today: 19.4

Today is for Eddie Brady, his father and family. Slept soundly on the high wooden Tower. Stretch and Bull were off early. I hit the road around 6.45 passing High Point Shelter and moving slowly. I stopped for breakfast around 8 and was joined by ¢Take-¢er-easy¢, a young man who speaks fluent Spanish. He worked in Bolivia for some years with the Peace Corps. I wandered slowly in the humid heat. Today was tough and I was feeling tired and lacking energy. On days like this you wonder ¢why?¢ and whether you can go the distance. But always the clouds lift and things look brighter. I was down in marshy, swampy land and had to way on planks for long stretches. The mosquitoes were hell. I came to a ¢secret shelter¢, known only to the Thru-hikers and the only sign of the place is a Water Sign. It is a lovely spot with showers, bunks and even hot water. Bull was there and we feasted on blueberries and nice cold water. Leaving there I felt good and walked through more swamp. Lunch at the crossing of Oil City Road and then a long walk through Wallkill Wildlife Park. It reminded me of the Cabra Wetlands only bitter. I think it was cut-away bog area that now provides sanctuary for all kinds of birds and other creatures. It was a lovely flat walk all around the area. Then back into the woods again. I passed Pochuck Mountain Shelter but did not go there, as there was no water. I was carrying a full load today, as water was scarce. Some nice rock climbing just to keep us in shape. The evening was fresh and sunny, ideal for walking. The last few miles were over a massive footbridge ¢ miles of walking on slated wood raised about 3 feet above the swamp. Again all sorts of wildlife and strange sounds. The breeze had stiffened which drove the ¢mozzies¢ away. A snake slithered across the wood and refused to get out of the road. I hit him a belt in the arse (well his tail end) with my hiking pole and he slid into the grass beneath. I met two nice ladies who gave me some fresh fruit and then I was crossing the N.J. 94, which would take me to Vernon. I was wondering how to get a ride to town when Mrs. Heaney, mother of ¢Mothman¢ appeared. She was waiting for her son and she drove me 2.5 miles into town, to the St. Thomas Episcopal Church where they offer fantastic accommodation to Thru-hikers. Stretch, Tunnel Vision, Bull, Awol, Treat, 1/3 and many others were there. Hot showers and pizza, TV and sodas; who could ask for more? Awol, Stretch and I went out for a milkshake. I called Peggy Quinn and gave her an update of my walk. We stayed up late enjoying the chat and drinking sodas. My backpack was giving some bother. The rivet, which holds the hip section, has broken so I was wondering how I could get it repaired. The caretaker, Steve, said he was going to Campmore the next day and that there they would surely help. Campmore is in Paramus, about 40 miles away and is supposed to be the last word in Camping and Hiking equipment. The priest at the parish here is very sick with colon cancer and Steve wants me to visit him. Steve himself runs the hostel even though he is crippled with pain, and he¢s a ¢Morphine Pump¢, which gives him some respite. He is a remarkable man and really dedicated to the hikers. 12.00 lights out.