The Kindness of Strangers

Day 22: Bert's Steakhouse Garage "Hostel" 7ish miles.

Shorter day today. The terrain wasn't bad, but I ran into two thunderstorms. One I managed to wait out, in a shelter, but the other soaked me. The George Outerbridge Shelter where I was going to stay was infested with caterpillars (dropping on my head!) and the logbook mentioned issues with porcupines. After last night's poor sleep and knowing there is a sizable climb tomorrow I decided to splurge and stay in town. Since the Jailhouse Hostel was shut down last year, the woman who runs this restaurant lets people stay in her garage for $10. She was nice enough to pick us up at the trail head too, saving a 1.5 mile walk into town along a busy road. I'm texting with TW now to get the scoop on tomorrow's terrain since she was up there today. More T-storms in the forecast with overall 80% chance of rain... Hopefully won't slow me down too much!
The hiker box here is awesome! Fresh fruit, Oreo's and PBR. I think I may carry out a PBR to celebrate making it to the shelter tomorrow. We'll see with all the water I have to lug- no water sources for the first 10 miles. Guidebook says what there is is contaminated because of previous smelting/mining operations, so not safe to drink even when filtered.

Day 24: Kirkridge Shelter, 17 miles.

Surprisingly energetic feeling tonight. It was a longer day than originally planned because of bad weather yesterday (cut the day short by about 3.5 miles). The sun was shining though and somehow I stayed a lot more positive throughout the day. I even considered continuing to Delaware Water Gap which was another 7 miles, but it would have put me in town about 11pm, and probably wouldn't have been too good on the feet either.

Yesterday by comparison, I was on the verge of tears and decided to stay at the Stempa Hostel (much nicer garage than in town!) A hot shower and a half-pound burger did wonders as well as sleeping soundly through the night. Got down into the 40's, so good to be inside! I was there with Recon (a female, Polish speaking, tall pastry chef) and Juice- both good people. With the short distance to DWG tomorrow I'll be in town by morning and I'll make it a zero day.

P.S. Joined the Triple Crown club- using a flush toliet, cathole and privy in one day. Oatmeal.

The "Trail" :P

Day 25: DWG 7 miles.

Pretty easy trek into town today. Met the ridgerunner for the Northern PA shelters leaving this morning from Kirkridge. Got to the Church of the Mountain Hiker Hostel- pretty nice place. The shower was clean and they provided towels. Perfect after a chilly morning. Met up with Pops at Kirkridge and sharing a laundry load now at a creepy motel down the road since the hostel doesn't have a washer. Had the hotdog special at the Village Bakery ($2.95 for a hotdog and slice of apple pie) Currently enjoying beautiful weather and wafting scents at the picnic table outside. When laundry is done we're going to the pizza place for lunch. I also bought a whole loaf of garlic herb bread and have been snacking on it.

Day 26: ZERO DAY!!!!!

Lots of food eating today! Went to Hot Dog Johnny's in Buttzville, NJ- a place we always visited as kids after a day of hiking. Different prices, but same fare and atmosphere! It was lovely. One of the hikers staying at the hostel is a section hiker and was willing to drive, so it was really easy to get there, even though it was 20 minutes away. Went to the local outfitters and got better insoles and some Dirty Girl gaiters. Got to Walmart and resupplied as well as getting a tennis ball to roll out my foot. Stopped by the Village Bakery again- they had a special BBQ stand and we got lots of free samples. I also got some meat to put on my leftover bread. Met B-hiker, Romani, Pine Cone Sitter, Subman and Subs at the Hostel.

Day 28: Brink Rd. Shelter 14.5 miles.

Last night I stayed at a stealth site alone. I was pushing towards the Mohican Outdoor Center which was about 10 miles from the hostel. I didn't want to be alone, but I passed the backpacker campsite at 5 miles and didn't realize it until I was a few miles past. I was low on water, but asked some day hikers and they had an unopened bottle, sot that allowed me to stop early. Since the MOC charges even to camp, by stealthing I got a nice view and saved some money. I had some trouble hanging a bear bag, but it worked and I had no issues with any animals. My feet were really bothering me yesterday, but felt a bit better today. Mom and Dad have been really encouraging and supportive- even when I call them up complaining. I was worried I would be cold in the hammock w/ 49 as the forecast and a stiff breeze, but I slept amazingly well (I was wearing all my layers..) I even had dreams for the first time since being on trail.
Took lots of breaks today to take it easier on my feet- I think the frustration and pain yesterday was mostly due to the roadwalking to get out of town as well as 10 miles of rocky terrain. I went to church in the morning and didn't get started until after 1pm. The terrain was a bit easier today. I met up with Kinder, the same section hiker that drove to Hot Dog Johnny's about 2 miles from the shelter which was a pick me up.
It's a very nice shelter tonight with a balcony style porch, but a real low water source. The guidebook said it was close to the road, which typically means the shelter attracts locals and is not well maintained, but the road is a forest access road, so there is not traffic at all! Plan to do 15 miles tomorrow. I'll be passing the 300 mile mark. GPS and Rugby started their hike in CT today- hopefully with plugging along I'll be seeing them soon!

Day 29: Mishpacong Shelter, 12.5 miles.

Writing now as I wait for dinner to finish cooking. Trying my hand at my first Knorr pasta side. I had hoped to pack out a sandwhich or sub from the AT Deli in Branchville, but discovered they have close their doors. Pretty much the whole town was for rent or closed, but I did find myself a diet coke (overpriced!) Discovered this morning that my phone was down to 18% with no reserve charge- must have gotten unplugged in the hostel. Was able to charge it at the pub in town, but didn't want to pause too long. Met up with Romani and hiked together for 3 miles. Purposely filled my water bottles at Gren Anderson Shelter in case I didn't make it to Rutherford because the spring here is over half a mile away. I'm the only one staying in the shelter, so I'm being "that person" and put my hammock up in the shelter. Hopefully being inside will help me keep a little warmer, but give some more comfort than the wooden floor. Smooshed zebra cakes and hot chocolate for dessert!

Drawing by kids of the Church of the Mountain