June 29 - Wallkill Reserve

From PJ:

This is the bear I was in a standoff with yesterday. [She is peeking through the woods in the left/middle side of the picture]. She was daring me to pass.

Had to do some rocky night hiking tonight.

Too bad I didn't have this mushroom at the time. I could have doubled in size and jumped on her head. Problem solved.

[Catania: that's an awesome mushroom! Superpowers!]

Yeah. It was yummy. Made me feel a little strange after eating.

I've seen a lot of mushrooms out here, but too scared to try them. Some look just like protobellos or shiitakes, but I'm not gonna find out.

Wallkill Reserve

I saw so many deer in this area - Wallkill Reserve. I was trying to get a photo of a blue heron, but it flew away.

June 28 - Little Guys and Big Mamas

From PJ:

Little Guy

She [the bear] is definitely aware of my presence.

I keep trying to pass, but she is still there. Don't see the cubs.

She's off the trail just laying down. I really don't know what to do. I can't tell if she's just baiting me or what.

***

I'm in the clear for now. I ended up bushwhacking through the other side of the trail. Which was just as scary.

[Catania Asked: Did you have a machete or something?]

Trekking poles and rocks. Made it to the road safe...for now.

June 27 - 1300 miles

1300 Miles!

I really wanted to knock all of these down.

I'm awesome at trail magic. I took 6 of these.

From PJ:

Ugh. I thought I was done with the rocks, but I guess not quite yet. Hopefully soon from what I hear - by tomorrow I should be through them. They have lightened up somewhat compared to PA, though.

I just [lied in the sun] about an hour ago. Just laid out on the top of Mt. Kittatiny. There was a nice breeze, so it wasn't too hot.

June 26 - Delaware Gap, PA

From PJ:

Camping outside a church in Delaware Gap, PA - a few hundred yards from the Jersey border. Never thought I would be so excited to get to NJ. Goodbye rocks.

I didn't break anything, they're [his feet] are super-sore. I've been on the roller rocks most of the day. From what I hear, I should be done with the rocks tomorrow morning.

Lots of trail magic and restaurants this area, though. I haven't had to use my cookset or water filter in a week.

The rocks hurt but they also suck becuase they slow you down so much so it's even worse.

***

I'm camping outside of a church where an AA meeting just got out. Some really interesting characters out here.

June 25 - Palmerton Superfund

Blackberries today

From PJ:

This [above picture] is from last night, but this was the scariest part of the trail so far. This picture doesn't do it justice, but I had to pull myself up this rock with nothing to plant my feet on. Hard enough by itself, but sketchy with a pack on. I had to collect myself because my legs were shaking.

Nice view though... :

That was Palmerton superfund. Not exactly sure what that means, but I guess they mined for zing or something.

I kept calling it super-fun until I had to climb it.

June 24 - Wild Berries

Wild Blueberries...Yummy

They're everywhere!

June 23 - The Trail

From PJ:

This is what the trail has been like the last few days:

It's funny. Right after I texted you that, the trail smoothed out and the sun came out. Also ran into an unexpected restaurant and had a burger. This is home for tonight.

[Catania told PJ about a person she met who through-hiked the AT a few years ago - trail name: Wildebeest.]

That's a sweet nickname. Sometimes I wish I had a different trail name because the further north I go, there are less people who think I look like him. (Myself included).

This lizard's tail is bright blue.

Rattlesnake Skin

Pulpit Rock

The song "Dreamweaver" goes through my head when I look at this photo. (above)