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.