Author: jpetesd

Day 98 High Point State Park HQ to Glenwood, NJ (18.3 miles) 1354.6 miles total

Really good day today. Hiked what I was planning on doing over 2 days because sounds like rain tomorrow.

My ride to the trail this AM was with the Lake Hopatcong News staff and Mary Lynn. They are going to do an article on my hike and connection to Lake Hopatcong.

Hiked by the High Point Monument. A Navy buddy (Ozzy) grew up near there and his grandfather worked on the construction of monument. Before I began hiking Ozzy asked me to say a prayer there for all active duty military and veterans. Got it done Ozzy!

Long walk on wooden path over marshy area. There will be several more areas like this up the road.

After I got past High Point there were few rocks and fairly flat terrain. Took me 2 hrs and 40 minutes to finish first 9 miles of day. That’s booking!

If I could have figured out how to carry this masterpiece for 850 miles, I would have made an offer.

Dave was there to pick me up in PM. He got there an hour before me to do trail magic. He’s really enjoyed that and I’m sure he’ll do it again after I’m gone from the area.

Two of my favorite “young” hikers have been Goddess and Ontario. I had seen them regularly from the end of Shenandoahs to Duncannon, PA. You’re never really sure if/when you will run into people again. Especially after you crash and take 3 zero days!

As Dave and I were getting ready to leave trail Goddess showed up with her friend, Mariah. Mariah is not hiking but came to see Goddess who was taking a zero today and out to show Mariah a bit of the trail. Had a fun time hanging out with them for a while.

That’s Goddess on the left. I’m the one in center!

Zero day tomorrow and then Saturday I’ll be leaving this area and back to reality.

Happy trails!

Day 97 Culvers Gap to High Point State Park HQ (14.3 miles) 1336.3 miles total

Ed gave me a ride out to the trail this AM. He also picked me up in PM.

I’m getting pretty spoiled. Walk 14-15 miles, back for a shower, happy hour, dinner, and a bed to sleep in.

Photo below is from Sunrise Mtn. There is a really nice pavilion at top. Should have taken a picture.

Below is Mashipacong Shelter.

Weather was nice again today. Low 80’s and not too humid.

Enjoying NJ hike. Rocks lessening, terrain relatively flat, and I’m slack packing. Feel guilty for about half a second when I pass other thru-hikers.

Been planning for 10 mile days tomorrow and Friday. Possible rain on Friday. If that is still forecast in AM, I hope to do close to 20 tomorrow.

Happy trails!

Day 96 Millbrook-Blairstown Rd to Culvers Gap (14.4 miles) 1322.0 miles total

Hope everyone had a great Independence Day.

My walking stick has lost at least 6″ of length from 1300 miles of pounding. Left it with Tom last night so he could devise a fix so it lasts to Maine. He added a wooden extension and a screw to bottom. Looks cool and worked great!

Tom, Amy, and Stella took us out to trail this AM. I say us because I had my first “guest hiker” (Mike). They stayed after dropping us off to provide trail magic. Had about a dozen hikers stop in. Really thrilled that my friends are so enthusiastic to do that. Pretty sure they would all say it’s fun and rewarding. Thanks, guys!

Mike did well on hike. I cut him no slack and he was able to keep pace! Certain he was glad we didn’t have 5 more miles.

Tom, Teri, Carli, and Warren met us on trail about 3 miles from destination at a spot Tom used to camp at 30 years ago. Surprised he could find it as pretty overgrown now. Pic below is at Purple Rock.

Culver Lake, our destination, in background.

Gyps Tavern is 1/4 mile off trail and well known to hikers. Very welcoming. They’re a bit off on mileage for this year but it’s the thought that counts!

Had a big group show up at Gyps for lunch and a drink…or 2+!

Still hiking out of John and Jen’s house in Lake Hopatcong. Will have to cut the cord and get back to reality on Friday. Hopefully I can still carry a full pack.

Happy trails!

Day 95 PA 611 to Millbrook-Blairstown Rd (14.0 miles) 1307.6 miles total 

Got a ride back out to trail from Rick. PA quickly in the rear view. 7 states down…7 to go! Next 4 (NJ, NY, CT, MA) should go by pretty quickly.

Rocks don’t magically end when you cross the border but are better.

Saw bear #3 today. It was going south about 20 yds off trail. Paid no attention to me. I even backtracked about 100 yds (hate doing that usually) hoping it would pose for a photo. Uncooperative. May have to use your imagination on this one!

You can see his head below if you look closely.

If you only know NJ from shows like the Sopranos, it’s way different here in NW Jersey. Lots of wildlife, forests, etc. Former neighbors, Jim and Mary Lynn) had a bear on their deck and there was one filmed swimming in Lake Hopatcong this week.

Below is Sunfish Pond, a glacial lake at 1400 ft elevation.

Some rock “statues” on the Pond.

Looking back to Delaware River. Pretty sure north end of photo is NY.

Not sure what this body of water is but pretty large and no development around it.

Dave picked me up at end of day. He actually got there more than an hour early and provided trail magic for 4 thru-hikers (plus me!). How cool is that?!  

Will hike a little over 14 miles today. End point for the day is right next to Gyp’s Tavern. Sounds as if there will be quite a few people meeting me there!

Happy trails!

Day 94 PA 33 to PA 611 (15.5 miles) 1293.6 miles total

Happy birthday, Dad!

Finally moving again. Arm is OK unless I bump it. Toe is OK unless I stub it. Of course both of the unless’ happened a couple times today.

Got a ride back out to Wind Gap, PA this AM from Jim. Hiking by 9. Most of day was on a ridge line so not a lot of ups and downs which is good.

Below is the Delaware River. It forms the border between PA and NJ.

Got into town of Delaware Water Gap, PA about 2:50. Dawn and Franco pulled up to give me a ride back within minutes.

Felt good to get some miles in today. Fewer than 900 miles to go!

Happy trails!

Day 93 Wind Gap, PA Zero Day 1278.1 miles total

Feeling better and weather forecast is good for tomorrow. Will be back on the trail then.

A few good downpours today. Glad I wasn’t hiking!

Happy trails!

Day 91 Wind Gap, PA Zero Day 1278.1 miles total

I made it to Lake Hopatcong, NJ today. Just not as I planned. Was hoping to be at Delaware Water Gap today but that plan got derailed by yesterday’s fall.

Pretty sore down the left side of my body. Sore enough that I don’t even notice this toe!

I’ve been staying at some classy places during this hike. I’m not sure about this sign in room. If they meant Out of Odor (vs order), that problem was fixed moment I walked through door yesterday. Hadn’t showered or washed clothes for 5 days.

Our friends, Barb and Warren, drove over an hour each way to pick me up and bring me to Lake Hopatcong. Had a fantastic time at Thirsty Thursday. Full house at Mason Street Pub. Really funny when people who know me well have to do a triple look to figure out who the homeless looking guy is!

I am taking tomorrow off as well. Scrapes are starting to heal but forearm/elbow still extremely sensitive. I’d be a hurting puppy if bumped it on trail.

Hoping to be back out Saturday. I’d put odds at 50/50.

Happy trails!