July 2, 2001
Well, I made the maildrop so many days ago. I spent an extended layover in Delaware Water Gap. The people in that town were more than hospitable. Pastor Karen at the Church Hostel came to check on us during the storm and just talk and visit. Lois and other members of the congregation wash towels that we use for the shower right in the bunkroom. And they clean up after us. I was awestruck. But I was taught to be polite, and this time polite required picking up my feet while Lois vacuumed. She said, "Just relax. You've had a hard day of hiking." I was happy to oblige.
The next day she ran us to the next town to do errands. Then she and Keeto, her husband, invited us to their home to shower and do laundry and use the Internet. We swam in the brook behind their house. And she wouldn't hear of us wearing our raingear in such hot weather, so she gave us clothes to wear while our laundry was washing. What a strange and wonderful, motherly woman.
Mo came to visit from Madison. She brought two friends, Adam and Kristin, whom she used to work with at a facility for adjudicated youth in NJ. We had a great time talking all afternoon. We stuck to our tradition of PBR--only 50 cent drafts. We ate a lot of Chinese food as well. I'm so glad we were able to see each other. I respect Mo for so many reasons, including that she's true to herself and she makes things happen.
Kelly and Devon are home in WI for the week. Dad is elated and has been taking Kelly everywhere on the motorcycle. I wish they'd wear helmets.
Hiked 24 miles out of town today. NJ is surprisingly beautiful. Still had some of the rocks connected to PA, but suddenly there were vistas again. Kittatiny ridge has views in both directions. I looked down on fairytale farms with swimming pools and horses and watched ultralite planes get towed and released. I ate lots of blueberries and sat by Sunfish Pond, the glacial lake furthest south near the AT.
Good day for pooping. As I left town this morning, there was a recreation area with portapotties. When I stopped to fill up my water bottles at Rattlesnake Spring midday, I also looked around for a good cathole site. In the middle of nowhere, I found a full-sized shovel behind a tree. Tonight at the shelter, I was the last one to arrive. There were cookies and citronella candles waiting from Desperado, but no one could find the privy. At waning dusk, intuition led me to an unhoused toilet seat and box. What a good day for a good poop.
I also saw several deer and rabbits this evening. There are bear boxes at all the shelters. NJ is supposed to have the most sightings by thru-hikers. I also saw a half dozen baby turkeys with their Mom. I scared the small ones into flight, and Mom went running down the trail ahead of me.
There was a convergence of sketchy folks at the hostel. The police even came. But I feel safe again tonight.
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