Rain, Rain, Go Away

July was not kind to the northeast.

Crossing from PA to NJ was a nice, sunny day, but that was the end of nice weather for a while.

Awesome to check off another state!

And shortly thereafter, another milestone.

The end of my jaunt through Pennsylvania signaled the end of dry water sources and the new problem of too much water. As I entered New Jersey, I was reminded of how it feels to walk for days in wet trail runners.

There were a few sunny days to break up the monotony of rain and fog, but the humidity soared. Nothing dried—not my clothes, my shoes, or my sweat-soaked hair.

Sunfish Pond

One bright spot was Sunfish Pond. As the sun shone across the water (which I wasn’t allowed to swim in), I found a shaded boulder at the water’s edge and took a rest. A few glances around and I was reminded that the pond was surrounded by wild blueberry bushes.

So much for the protein bar. I filled up on blueberries!

MOC of the AMC

Another nice rest stop was the Mohican Outdoor Center managed by the Appalachian Mountain Club. While the store was a bit pricey, I forked over the cash for an ice-cold Coke and an ice cream bar. I sat inside holding the Coke can against a wasp bite while my phone charged.

The MOC boasts a restful oasis for weary hikers.

Not wanting to pay for a tent site, I headed up to the ridge where I found a site with sun, a stiff breeze, and a view of the valley. I hung my clothes on a line and they actually dried! That satisfaction wouldn’t last long as the forecast was for heavy rain again the next morning.

A picture-perfect tent site.

The rain brought out every Red Eft in existence and I saw dozens before I stopped bothering to count. My hike slowed as I did my best to not step on the adorable little orange creatures.

Cute little Red Efts.

True to the forecast, rain began at 6:30 a.m. and, thankfully, I was already packed up with my rain gear on. The sky darkened and let loose a monsoon. Twenty minutes went by as I stood off to the side of the trail watching it become a river. The New Jersey portion of the AT will always remind me of the flooded trails and creeks, some of which I really thought hard about before fording. And I’m thankful for one sign that pointed me to a detour. After all, I’ve made it this far. Why risk an injury or worse?

I had yet to hear there was a missing hiker in Vermont.

That’s not a creek. That’s the trail.

Ankle deep isn’t so bad.

The last photo is a creek, and it gave me pause. Although nothing like Vermont or Maine was experiencing, this fast-moving and knee-deep creek was scary (for me) to cross. I unbuckled my pack so I could get back up in case the water took me down. Thankfully, I made it across safely.

I saw the sign.

One sign was particularly helpful as it pointed out the danger of crossing through a swampy area. I took the marked detour and popped out on the road not far from the Sola Hostel. I headed there for a night of clean, dry sheets and a shower.

Photo credit: Jan Anderson, who answered my request for this photo because I wasn’t thinking and didn’t take one of my own.

A sign at Sola.