June 23 – AT’s Version of a Scandinavian Buffet-Style Meal

Post date: Jun 24, 2012 3:43:39 AM

An early start with visions of 25 miles and a night at Wawayanda Shelter, "Five Pair" and "Dos" headed out.

The hikers started out hiking on rocks, then uphill, on gravel, crossed many roads, crossed streams, paved areas, footbridges, through heavily wooded areas, across a wooden sidewalk through a swamp and over a suspension bridge. The terrains and path were as varied as any day on the trail.

As the day wore on, the hikers determined that they were within striking of a local establishment that boasts a large selection of homemade ice cream, homemade strudel, fresh kettle corn and homemade warm cider donuts. So off the trail they went and three miles into Vernon, New Jersey, the hikers found themselves considering the offerings of the Heaven Hill Farm.

Hikers on the trail often succumb to the siren calls of food establishments but unlike the Greek epics there are positive results to be gained from hearing the call… calories. This particular caloric siren provided a wonderful sugary caloric boost but the detour did in fact result in the recognition by the hikers that their day had drawn to a close short of the goal of 25 miles, so off they went to the St. Thomas Episcopal Church hiker hostel.

After a quick visit to a laundry mat and dinner at Burger King, the 90^th day since the beginning of "Five Pair's" journey on the Appalachian Trail came to an end.

When asked to describe the terrain encountered in the 90^th day, the gastronomically influenced phrase?

It was a Smörgåsbord.

1350.9 miles complete/833.5 miles to go