Somewhere in New Jersey
October 10, 2000
Mile 900
“Hey Buddy – You want this grinder on a wedge or what?”
And so it was that I walked into New York and New Jersey on this AT trip, and I guess some explanation is in order. The AT over the last 150 miles or so cross several roads daily as it meanders through the countryside. Also it comes closer to larger towns (New York City is within 34 miles at one point) than it will during any other stretch.
With the close proximity to people comes a mixed situation. I found most of the trail and shelters in New York to be pretty trashy in several areas, with more vandalism in the shelters and trash thrown all over the place. It sometimes brought me a little down. , but soon afterward something would happen to brighten up the day. For example, the trail leading to bridge the crosses 1-81 was particularly dreary. Going across the bridge though the sun was shining, the birds were flying overhead, the truckers were honking their horns at me, and Bruce Springsteen started to play on my Walkman. Sort of a Norman Rockwell scene, circa 2000.
However, with many of the road crossings comes the possibility of a dell nearby to stuff my face. Overall, it was an acceptable trade-off. I think I actually gained weight on the “Deli Tour”. For what ifs worth, the trail in New Jersey was surprisingly beautiful, with Sunfish Pond being a highlight of the area. Also the trail through this area crosses many bridges over major rivers (Delaware and Hudson) that make for a pretty cool juxposition between the trail and city. Another scene burned into my memory is trying to cross a major highway leading into New York City (Palisade Parkway I think off the top of my head). Getting across all four lanes of traffic was something like the old video game “Frogger”. The traffic was unreal. Wow.
Seems like thoughts are often turning to food these days. I’m starting to have really intense cravings for certain foods. Lately it’s been Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches. A PBJ, some Fritos. Hey, all need is my Superman lunch box and I’m back In Ms. Hodgin’s 3rd grade class at Pleasant Garden Elementary
One a down note, Anne has decided to take off the trail. We’re fine, but this year simply wasn’t a good time for her to go. She and her grandmother actually visited me today while I’m in Delaware Water Gap, PA. Things are quite different now hiking alone. Not necessary better or worse, but truly different. Still pushing around 18-22 miles a day, but the infamous Pennsylvania Rocks will probably slow that down a little for the next few days.
900 miles down, 1265 to go. It hit me the last couple of days that this trip is almost halfway over. Seems like it just began.
Until later, take care,
-Johnny Swank
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