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Journal
| About Downunda | Trail
Facts | Hiking the Trail |
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3rd July 2002 From:
Secret Shelter The last two miles of today's hike were through knee high grass, which is a worry as one is likely to pick up ticks here. The four miles before that, the AT traversed over a swamp via a brand new boardwalk that was about five feet wide and three feet above the swamp. The boardwalk was clearly an ambitious piece of work and a credit to the ATC. I'm sure the swamp would be teeming with wildlife when it had more water in it. Today it was mostly mud. I took a few photos here to capture the moment. For most of the day I was hiking in the direct sun, so it felt very, very hot. I made it to NJ 94 at 12:30 P.M. and headed straight for The Heaven Hill Farm Store, which was about 200 yards from the trail. I found 'Smudge' and 'Kentucky Slim' sitting on the patio eating lunch. I went into the store and bought chocolate milk, three donuts, and four plums then joined the guys on the patio for lunch. 'Smudge' and 'Slim' were going straight back to the trail after lunch. It's funny how small events can make people change their minds. I was getting ready to leave and hitch a ride the two miles into Vernon when an attractive blonde woman, aged about 30, passed by and asked if we were thru-hikers. Never one to miss an opportunity, I asked if she was going into Vernon and could she give me a lift. Bingo! It was my lucky day - I had managed to hook a lift without having to stand by the roadside in the heat. With that, 'Kentucky Slim' suddenly decides to come with me to the hostel and 'Smudge' wants to do even more shopping in Vernon. Funny how the sight of a pretty girl made these guys suddenly change their plans! I got dropped at the hostel in the basement of the Episcopal Church. Another great surprise - for a $5 donation you get a hiker room with sleeping area, lounge with TV and PC with internet connection, and a laundry and shower. Being in the basement, the hiker lounge is also nice and cool. The town of Vernon looks quite small but I'm told has a population of some 25,000. The shops are within easy walking distance and we have an A&P Supermarket, Italian/Pizza Restaurant, Post Office, Hairdressers, Dunkin Donuts, Burger King, and a diner and café. My left ankle was still hurting when I put my boots on and walked around but I found that by lacing the lower part of the boot only the discomfort was bearable. A few of the people here at the hostel had planned to leave late this afternoon but due to the heat, stayed over for another night. At the hostel tonight are: 'Heavy D', 'Kentucky Slim', 'Towee', 'Guern', and 'Donkey'. With that, I'll say goodnight all.
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