We had a big day ahead of us, 21.3 miles. So we decided to get going as early as possible. It was almost 7a when we were leaving the shelter. It’s supposed to be 90 degrees today, already the air is hot and muggy.
Yesterday we saw a lot of chipmunks. Today we say a lot of tiny little frogs. One jumped onto my shoe. We tried to get a photo, but he was gone too fast.
At high sun we walked through a migratory bird sanctuary. It was a network of large ponds we had to hike around. Jokingly, we theorized that the sanctuary was funded by the mob so they would have a place to dispose of bodies. I hope (and am sure) that’s not really the case. Regardless, the place was pretty. Just hot. We saw several birds, mostly white egrets and Canadian geese. I was practically melting from the sun and was relieved when I saw where the trail turned off into the woods.
At the twelve mile mark we hit an abandoned house that the state parks own. Thru-hikers are allowed to get water from the spigot on the side of the house. We ate lunch there and tried to cool off. I even rinsed off my shirt and put it back on wet. It helped a bit. On the backside of the house where we ate was a birds nest, complete with baby birds. They’ll be pushed out of the nest soon. For now, their momma is still working hard to feed them. We sat for an hour watching her hunt and bring food back. There was another baby sitting in a bush she would feed. We think it got pushed out a little early. We were happily surprised to see her still taking care of it. That was our lunch entertainment, baby birds.
After lunch it was back to the woods. We passed by old cars rusting there. I wondered how long they’ve been sitting since it was all forests around them. We climbed over more rocks and got to see a garter snake.
Then the trail came out of the woods and onto a boardwalk. Warthog said this stretch is something New Jersey is famous for. The boardwalk had a lot of people out on it, especially locals. We met a local couple. He asked if we were going all of the way (the normal start), we said yes. Then got talking from there. They have a niece that teaches in Grand Rapids, MI. The gentleman was born in the Netherlands. He came over when he was four. He said he remembered sitting on the deck of the boat passing the Statue of Liberty. His last name is Leenstra. We talked for a while, they said that they would pray for us. We told them we appreciate it. Soon they had to leave for a fundraiser at a dutch bakery. I kind of hoped they would offer to take us. It’s probably best they didn’t, we had several miles to hike yet.
We were trying to get to a farm stand that serves ice cream. That was our mission. We didn’t reach it in time. In fact, we were over an hour late. We sat disappointed at the edge of the road taking a break. That’s when I looked up at the very dark sky and asked Warthog, “Are you sure it’s not supposed to rain tonight? Because that sure does look like rain coming.” He looked at the weather and said, “Well… it says it’s raining now.” As if voice activated, the rains started. We frantically put our rain gear on and put away electronics.
I was worried about more bad weather, but it turned out to be only rain with occasional thunder, no lightning. I can handle that. It didn’t last long. Maybe an hour. But most of it was during a rocky ascent which can make things far more dangerous. We made it though. We reached our campsite a little after 8p. I was so tired and we were down to such little food that dinner was two bags of mashed potatoes. I almost didn’t want to eat, but Warthog made me. This is why we are a good team; we take turns being the voice of reason.
As tired as I am, I will be the first to admin that this long day was good for us. It means that tomorrow we only have thirteen miles to hike until town. Then tomorrow night… I get to see my mom and grandpa! I’m so excited to have family coming!! So freaking excited!
-ansel