Recuperated

Back on the trail after some difficulty and rewarded with the best weather and trail conditions so far! Happy to be here! Larry and I met at High Point Country Inn and were dropped off by my amazing sister and brother-in-law to get back to our adventure.

Into the woods

Into the woods

The first day’s weather was so welcoming after the prior rainy days. The skys were clear with the perfect temperature for hiking.
The best ending for the day was a stay at the Murray property a beautiful little cabin that welcomed long-distance hikers.

 

Our hike continued the next day with an 11.5 mile hike through New Jersey’s beautiful meadow lands.

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where we stopped at Mitch’s Roadside Grill at the half-way mark for a hotdog then down and across the highway to a farm that sold baked goods and ice cream.

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We had been hiking down hill gradually all morning it was time to go up.

This is how far up we went! The small building on the left of the photo is Mitch's Roadside Grill.

This is how far up we went! The small building on the left of the photo is Mitch’s Roadside Grill.

Our day was only half progressed. Tish Porter was planning to meet us and any hiker with us to provide what is called “trail magic” and we had quite a way to go and still not miss any sites. A few sites:

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Suspended bridge over Pochuck Creek. Only suspension bridge on the AT.

This is as close as we've come to seeing a bear.

This is as close as we’ve come to seeing a bear.

Different Boardwalk

Different Boardwalk

As we got close to Wawayanda State Park we began to leave messages in hiker log books that there would be a hiker feed after 4:00 pm that day in the park office parking lot. Tish Porter planned to meet us there to feed and supply anyone who needed it. We were looking forward to some fresh vegetables she had mentioned and wow did she come through!

Great food and friendship! Best of all was all the other hikers that got our messages and came to the feed.  My favorite was how happy it made Tish to have such a large group!

Hiker feed

Hiker feed

Time to go to the shelter for sleep after a great day!

The next day was long hard continous ups and then downs repeated for 14.5 miles. Wonderful people made a hard day one of the best! “Paddy-o” in his “paddy wagon” met us at a road crossing in between two particularly difficult areas of the trail. What a much appreciated delight, good conversation, rest and refreshment! Paddy-O popped out a grill and cooked hot dogs wrapped in bacon for us while we devoured a honeybun and guzzled a Mountain Dew he provided!

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We  are back to the business of getting to where we needed to be for the night. Still difficulty ahead, this trail is not for sissies. Up, down then road crossing annnnnnnd another trail angel with fruit and water with actual chairs to sit in. He was not to be the last,  a couple with small children stopped to ask Larry and Robby whether they were hiking the AT they told them they were waiting on us to catch up and that we all were. Seems that they want to do the same when the children grow up. They gave Larry and Robby “Sprout” chips and salsa, Gatorade and some other treats while thanking them for the conversation.

Bubbles is the hiker in the backpack. I love how the day ended this way.

Bubbles is the hiker in the backpack. I love how the day ended this way.

It was sunset when Bubbles and I got to camp. We sent  “TowSack” Larry and Sprout ahead to set up camp because we just couldn’t go very fast with such a busy exciting day.

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Comments 10

  • Kevin Piggott : May 25th

    Superb loved reading this.
    This trail is on my bucket list

    Reply
    • Brenda Whaley : May 26th

      Hi Kevin,
      Happy to share! One more thing on our list that’s being worked on!

      Reply
  • Sarah K. Basinger : May 25th

    Love reading the update and seeing the pictures. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures!!!

    Reply
    • Brenda Whaley : May 26th

      Hi Sarah,
      Glad to share! Thank you!

      Reply
  • Jeanne : May 26th

    What fun! So many Trail Angels to brighten your day!

    Reply
    • Brenda Whaley : May 26th

      Hi Jeanne!
      Yes! Trail angels everywhere we were warned that it would get to be fewer as we go farther north. I’m truly enjoying the hospitality of the locals. Thoughtful people! Looks like you and Mel are having a blast! I’ve enjoyed all of your adventures and pictures.

      Reply
  • Sheila Stricklin : May 26th

    Love traveling with you and Tow Sack! Keep posting!

    Reply
    • Brenda Whaley : May 26th

      Hi Shelia!
      We plan to keep on keeping on! Just want to let everyone know that even though it looks easy from our posts it is the most strenuous activities we have ever done! We are out and asleep as soon as we get camp set up. Sometimes we’re too tired to eat Larry is losing weight but not me go figure.

      Reply
  • Cooter Windle : May 26th

    Brenda, You are doing a flip flop. Where did you start? You are North bound first? Good luck!

    Reply
    • Brenda Whaley : May 26th

      Hi Cooter,
      We are doing a Flip/Flop and we started in Harper’s Ferry West Virgina. We will hike to Maine return to Harper’s Ferry by car or any other mode of transportation we can arrange then hike to Georgia. Thanks for your interest!

      Reply

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