Appalachian Trail (day 58) - Sola Appalachian Christian Retreat to Cascade Brook / mile 1373

A tasty last day in New Jersey.

I've had a really late start, firstly I've waited for Daug to wake up at 7 AM and come down so I could check out. Then I went to general store and had a breakfast bap, coffee and a swirly doughnut, it was all very good. After all this I've only set the foot on trail at about 8 AM.

The New Jersey stretch of Appalachian Trail was afloat, especially considering that fair bit of it was a marsh area but it also rained heavily recently. I went through two very beautiful marshes along the way, first one was called Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge and the second Pochuk Creek, they both been frequented by wildlife photographers and day hikers, especially as it was Sunday.



I've gave up on having dry feet very early and was just walking through the streams and puddles with my shoes on which caught few surprised glimpses from people. Just before midday I've arrived at a food stop with T-Dawgs hot dog van and Heaven Hill Farm shop across the road. I've got a 10$ special from T-Dawgs consisting of two hot dogs, soda and a bag of crisps, then went to Heaven Hill Farm to get some ice cream, they were so good that I've got four scoops! Local creamery made them and the flavours were amazing, I've got walnut and peanut butter fudge.

After having all this delicious food I climbed  Pinwheel Vista which was very popular with day hikers as well. Few miles later the New Jersey section of AT was over and I've entered state of New York for the next 100 miles. 

The transition between the states was "shocking" in both good and bad ways. First of all, the marshes were over and I was hiking across massive boulders with some climbing sections which was exciting. I've also had few glimpses of Warwick city from here right across Greenwood Lake. Trail was poorly marked, several times I've got lost and had to go back. When it wasn't going over the boulders, path was very overgrown and not well maintained, which was a noticeable  difference compared to the previous states. I've also spotted that little guy between the rocks, not sure where his momma went.

I've arrived at my campsite at 6:30 PM, it had rubbish and broken glass scattered around and was next to a brown, foamy stream which I wouldn't dare to drink from but it was decent enough to spend the night. I've hanged my food as I've heard black bears in NY could be a bit rough and I didin't want to risk an encounter. I've set up the tent and went to sleep it would be the closest I'd be to New York city for the next two months.

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