“My Journey Is My Destination...” Day 68

Publisher's Note: This is a trail journal by Dustin Jackson in his own words and thoughts. He is hiking the Appalachian Trail southbound from Maine to Georgia. The News & Neighbor will follow his adventure as he reports to us via internet cafes. He will also send photos from stopping points along the trail. The map included with his journals will mark his progress. You can also follow along via internet by viewing his trail journal at: www.trailjournals.com/Jackson Dustin's email address is: appalachian.jackson@gmail.com

By Dustin Jackson (Trail name "Farsang")

Day 68 11.8 miles Mayor of Unionville, NY

Hiked out of Vernon today. A guy gave us a ride back to the trail. So it was me, 'Princess Brat,' 'Alpine,' and 'Pyro.' 'Pyro' leading, walking fast all the way. We walked through the flat bogs most of the day. It was hot and humid. 'Pyro had put super glue on the cut on his leg, then a bee stung him right on it.

We had heard about a guy in Unionville, NY that takes in hikers and feeds them for free. We wanted to hike further, but wanted to meet this guy. We stopped by the park and asked some kids where he lives. We didn't want to just go knock on his door, so we stopped by the bar first. It was 2:00 in the afternoon on Sunday and the bar was full. We could tell the locals didn't like hikers. We caught a few dirty looks and got out of there. We found the Mayor's house and knocked on the door.

We were greeted by a sixty something man who invited us right in and washed our clothes. He advised us he only had three rules.

1. Don't help with anything, especially dishes.

2. Fill out contact info on the picture he takes.

3. Send him a picture at the finish.

His name is Richard; history teacher, insurance salesman, mayor, and all around super guy. He has a right hand man named Butch. Butch helps Mayor Dick take care of the hikers. Butch is also Unionville's Maintenance Dept. Butch and Dick made dinner for us. We all chowed down on spaghetti and salad. I noticed pictures of the mayor's wife and a lot of handicap fixtures around the house. I found out the mayor and his wife had lived in this house for 31 years, raised two sons (both I met). She had recommended before she died that since Mr. Mayor had such an interest in hikers, he should take them in. He began on June 29th taking us in. He has "loved every moment. It has been the best he has felt since she died." I saw a picture of his wife in her late 20's; the only other pictures were as a sick and elderly woman. I thought that time is quick. I missed Becky instantly and badly.

We woke this morning to coffee, eggs, and bacon. Wow, what a guy! We got a ride in his Toyota Prius to the trail. Another "dad" for us hikers. I hope to see him again.

I hiked with 'Pyro' most of the day and mostly killed myself keeping up. We hiked to the highest point in NJ. At 1,800 feet, I'm not so impressed. We came to a road with a deli to the east. We ended up walking 2.6 down to it. A guy asked us at the store if we had seen any bear, he told us of his sightings. We got our food and asked him for a ride. He opened up the hatch on his small SUV and said, "Don't worry boys, I got permits for those." We sat our packs down on 3 rifles and 8 inch hunting knives. At the end of the ride he looked at me and said, "Boy, you got black hair and it's hot out here. Here, take this $2.50 hat." It was camo and fit perfect!

It was 5:00 and we hadn't really covered any ground. We hiked to the next shelter, talked a while with another guy, then 'Brat' and 'Alpine' showed up. We had 5.9 miles to go for the day. It was sunset. I was able to keep up with 'Pyro's' 4 mph for a while and then tired out. The rocks started today, too. It was dark and I couldn't believe I was walking in it to make 17 mi. I saw a good spot to camp. Many times during the night I heard bears groaning like gorillas, I couldn't wake up enough to be scared.

Day 70 19.0 miles Ridgeline Camp @ mile 880.0

I woke up early and headed out. I met up with 'Pyro,' he had hiked on last night. We walked a mile down the road to the Jumboland Diner where I had an omelet and French toast. I've been drinking coffee since NYC. We got a ride back to the trail from a couple who had a bear break into their house three times. Pyro was going to wait around for his friend "Traveler." I met up with 'Brat' and 'Alpine and hiked with them. 'Brat' talked a lot so it made time go quickly. They took a second lunch and I hiked on alone. I was on the ridgeline looking into the valley and just had to camp. Beautiful views to the East. 40 min later 'Brat and 'Alpine' showed up and camped with me too. I guess I'm not just a 3rd wheel after all.

Today I hike for Charlie Fedorka, a man I met at Sunfish Pond. He enjoys bringing his 15 year old dog up to the pond to swim. He is very much happy in nature. He was very interested in my trip and proud of me. He took care of my dinner for the night.

I woke up feeling good, but soon as I started walking, I felt tired, then a slight headache. I think I was a little dehydrated. I hiked to Sunfish Pond. It is said to be one of the last glacial ponds in the US. There were many no swimming signs posted. It was 85 degrees, the water was cool and clear. What good is a body of water in the summer if you can't swim in it? So I swam across the pond and back. It was great. I walked the next 6 miles quick down to highway 80 and then a 1.5 mile walk along the interstate across the Delaware River Bridge, leaving NJ and entering PA, my 8th state! I arrived at the Church of the Mountains, in for the night.

I woke up this morning hungry. I went down to the pie shop and got a whole coconut custard pie and ate it all. 'Pyro', who rolled in last night, was amazed. We tubed down the Delaware River, past convicts and trash; four miles in four hours and sun burned. Though relaxing. The church had their last covered dish hiker feed. I had 3 plates and dessert.

Day 73 0 Day Delaware Water Gap

Unplanned 0 day today. My shin splint I got walking down the mountain still hurt and 'Alpine' said, "Let's go to the movies." "OK" I said. We had us a big time in Stroudsburg, PA. Maybe, too big! <<<stories backtrack to... week1> week2> week3> week4> week5> week6> week7> week8> week9> week10> week11> week12> week13> week14> week15> week16> week17> week18> week19> week20> week21> week22> week23> week24> week25> week26>