Deckertown Pike to High Point (6.50 Miles)

We hiked this section on July 11, 2011.

The weather forecast said that the high temperature today was going to be 90 degrees.

We got an email around 6:15 am from Knitting Bull (KB) saying that she would help shuttle us but could not hike. Her husband had been bitten by something and the infection had spread down his arm; he needed to see a doctor.

Dirigo called KB as soon as she got the email and tried to talk her into returning home. KB said no way – she was determined to help us.

So, we met KB in the AT parking lot off of NJ 23 just after 8 am. She brought Python a huge jar of honey and two pairs of short gaiters for Dirigo.

KB got a phone call from her husband saying that his doctor’s appointment was at 9 am. So, she could have hiked but did not bring her hiking shoes.

We left our car at the High Point monument parking lot and then KB drove us to Deckertown Pike.

As soon as we got out of the car, we were attacked by bugs. KB drove off and we doused ourselves with bug dope.

The temperature, humidity, and the bugs inspired us to keep moving. We never stopped to sit down because we would have been easy prey for the bugs.

There were times when the trail was very narrow because the bushes had not been trimmed back. We made lots of noise because we didn’t want to surprise a bear or snake in such a confined space.

The trail down to the Rutherford shelter was 0.4 miles down from the AT and it was completely exposed to the sun – we passed.

Pennsylvania must be missing some rocks because we found them on the trail today! You know the sharp pointy rocks that make your feet cry for mercy.

We met two groups of hikers going southbound but did not get passed by any north bounders. Very odd – maybe they know something that we don’t?

Before we reached NJ 23, the woods changed. There were ferns all around us and the bugs were not very bad. The trail was now soft and we could slow down a bit.

We were both craving salt because we were sweating so much. It seemed a bit cooler in this area, but it wouldn’t last long.

Once we reached NJ 23, we knew we only about 2 miles left to hike. We crossed the road and had a quick snack. We heard something move near us and spotted 2 female turkeys.

We took a short break at the wooden tower and actually sat down – but not for long because there was no shade. We had a great 360 degree view of the area.

We took the green blazed Monument Trail and headed towards the road. Once we crossed the road, we saw the trail went straight uphill – we both swore because we were exhausted. Trail tourette’s strikes again!

We reached the base of the monument and sat in the shade and enjoyed the breeze at the top.

It felt great. We both sipped on our hydration packs and we were both out of fluids.

We walked down to the snack bar and it was closed! Damn it to hell! The snack bar next to the beach better be frickin open!

So, we sat in the shade near the beach area and feasted on hot dogs, french fries, and of course diet soda while watching people enjoy the beach.

The snack bar has a poster board which AT thru-hikers can sign.

We saw our second New Jersey bear while we were driving out of the park!