Day 92 – near Rutherford Shelter to mile 1348.7

We had some heavy rain overnight again, but stayed nice and dry. The skies were threatening again in the morning, but it blew out and it turned into a great day for hiking. The trail was a bit easier and less rocky today also, so that was a nice change of pace. That combination of positive factors and also a few days of getting back into the groove made today just a lot nicer overall.

In the morning, we went past High Point in Jersey.

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High Point Monument

We hiked through a lot of low lying swamp areas, also. A lot of it had boards over it to protect the swamp.

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Swamp hiking

The trail made its way up to the NJ / NY border and headed east. We went into Unionville, NY to grab maildrop #9 and some lunch. The pizza was pretty good. I have to say pizza in the north is way better than in the south. It’s just an indisputable and proven scientific fact.

After lunch, we made our way back out. We traversed through a protected bird area called the Wallkill preserve. It was reedy and swampy. I had a few glimpses of herons I think, but they were too far away to get a good picture.

Then we climbed up Pochuck Mountain, a short but steep climb.

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View from Pochuck. The preserve is visible in the valley and High Point is in the background on the mountain range.

We camped about a mile or two from Pochuck near a little stream. There is some kind of youth camp pretty near here making a racket. Quiet down, you damn kids!!

Vital stats :
Miles hiked today – 19
Mood – improved
Physical state – good, not pushing as hard before Duncannon
Smell – worse than Bon Jovi’s armpits after a double encore of Dead Or Alive and Living On A Prayer
Song stuck in my head – I’m Free by The Rolling Stones

3 thoughts on “Day 92 – near Rutherford Shelter to mile 1348.7

  1. Mom - Tapey

    More great photos! I hope the weather on the trail today is as beautiful as it is here. Thinking of you and wishing you a great hiking day…smooth trail, great views and even some trail magic!!! Keep those feet a-movin’ and keep checking off those miles! You are a.maz.ing!!!! Sending sunny, cool, breezy thoughts, more sneaker wings, insect and animal repellent karma, prayers and lots and lots and lots of love. We’re always here for you!!

    Reply
  2. Chris

    FYI – I spent most of my childhood camping trips at Stokes Forest/High point – enjoy!
    Glad to see you put day 90 behind you.

    Reply

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