It was odd that this tranquility came in NJ
I awoke in a sudden state of panic, where's Cookie? I discovered he was not in his bunk, nut his pack was still sitting against the wall. After looking around the hostel, I looked out the door to discover he was lying on his sleeping pad in his sleeping bag on top of the picnic table. Problem solved.
I knew all along that today was going to be a short day, so I was in no hurry to hit trail this morning. After eating breakfast I walked down to the local diner with Thud and Cookie for a cup of coffee.
I had great conversations with the hikers I had conversations with. It was nice to interact with some people I have not had the opportunity to have conversations with before.
Once I returned to the hostel, I packed up and was on trail around 8:30AM. The trail leads you over the Delaware River. Once I was over the middle of the river I celebrated my entrance into NJ, which also meant I was out of PA. I was ready for NJ, PA took its toll on my moral.
While it is a 1,000 foot climb out of the gap, it did not feel like it on any level. While it was a little rocky, the climb was very gradual.
6.1 miles into my day I came across Sunfish Pond. The significance of this pond is that it's the southern most glacial pond on the trail. This pond made me realize how close I am to the end.
There was an eloquent simplicity to walking the perimeter of the pond. The water was still, and there was not an un-natural noise to be heard. it was as if there was no one left but me. It was odd that this tranquility came in NJ, a state with a large population and congestion problems that one can not begin to comprehend.
The ridge the trail traversed today was quite nice. There was a lot of exposure, which lead to nice views of the valley on each side.
I rolled into the Mohican Outdoor Center(MOC) around 12:00PM, and this is where I'm being put up for the night by the Appalachian Pages. The Trails End Lodge here is quite nice. It has comfortable beds and a nice kitchen facility.
After eating a grilled cheese sandwich and settling in, I went for a swim with Cookie and Terry(section hiker) in Catfish Pond, which was quite refreshing.
The rest of the afternoon was spent lounging around the MOC. I had a couple cans of soda and a snickers bar.
I am looking forward to the trail ahead. At some point we start getting back into more mountainous terrain.
Tomorrow I shall follow the blazes, most likely white, north some more.
And that's the way it was.
Kirby
Ga>ME 2008.