June 20 - 20.1 / 1,335.9

I didn't want to get out my sleeping bag and my legs were really sore. Eventually I did though. T and T were already up and had most of their things packed. Fusion wasn't moving. When I got out of my tent, I noticed we had set up our tents just down from the privy. The thing about this privy is that it had no walls or covering. It was pretty much a toilet seat sitting on the ground for one to sit on while all the others at camp admired.

I got moving and headed towards Sunrise Mountain. I passed some weekenders going southbound. One of the guys asked if I had enough water as NJ is lacking water spots. I told him I did. I really wanted to be a smart ass and tell him I had been hiking since March 17th and was aware of the lack of water. I didn't though. He then told me I had about 15 minutes before making it to the top of the mountain where there is a pavilion. I thanked him, looked at my watch, and hiked on. It was 47 minutes after the hour. I made it to the pavilion, looked at my watch, and it was 50 after. What the heck? Weekenders and dayhikers are the last people we ask questions to about the trail. They have no sense of time or distance.

The hiking this morning was no different than the last few days, lots of rocks that are out to beat up my feet. I am not sure if I have said this before. The saying about PA (and a part of NJ), is "that is where boots go to die." They have no chance with the rocks. Anyway, coming into lunch I passed the third ridgerunner in as many days. NJ is on their game on getting the ridgerunners out on the trail to answer questions, patrol, and perform trail maintenance.

Lunch was at the High Point State Park HQ. They let hikers eat inside and make use of the facilities. Afterwards, it was on towards the High Point Monument, marks the highest point in NJ and looks much like the Washington Monument in D.C. I got some pictures, but did not take the side trail to go up to the monument. The great thing about the high point is that the trail does a 90 degree turn at where it meets the side trail. Almost instantly, the trail goes back to the old trail before PA. The rocks are manageable and the ground is more leaves and dirt.

The trail even started to go through some marsh land. Near the end of the day, I thought I was about done. I knew I had six roads to cross before getting to Unionsville. The sixth road didn't look right. I found a street sign and discovered I had 1.5 more miles to go. I guess I had hiked at a slower pace so I thought I was correct. I also now know my guide book is missing some of the road crossings.

I finished the day with T and T. We made it to Unionsville and headed towards The Outhouse (formally The Mayor's House). Yes, the old town mayor lives their and opens his house up for hikers. Upon arriving, I was given the rules. Two stuck out. First, the first beer is free. The next three are 50 cents each. Secondly, you are not allowed to say words that are longer than 3 syllables. If you do, then you owe a quarter. Bill, one of the guys living there who is 82, makes it a mission of his to have you use big words. The one he got me on was University. The game helps lighten the mood and allows you to take your mind off of hiking and the pain. That night we had chicken soup for dinner. Afterwards, Butch drove us into town for a quick resupply. He also made all of us watch a short DVD. It was about a guy who won Britain's Got Talent. He ties the story into our trek on the AT. He makes it motivational and tells us not to stop now. The rest of the night was relaxing, ice cream, and a few phone calls. Also staying there were T and T, Fusion, Wait and See, Moon Pie, Boston, and Missionary.

Also, Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there. Hiking through the State Park and smelling people cooking out definitely hit home for me. It made me think of my dad and how grateful I am of him. He has done a lot for me while growing up and has always been there for me. He has also been very supportive of my hike and is always telling me stories of how he has told someone new or updated someone about the journey. I couldn't ask for anyone better. Dad, happy fathers day!