Why can’t I sleep? Oh my goodness. I was in my tent at 730pm, wrote my blog and then tossed and turned until after midnight. It wouldn’t be such a big deal but come 5am, my brain is awake. My body revolts but the rest of me is rearing to go. I laid in the tent till 530am, and then woke up Braveheart. She sleeps like a log! No budging, no rolling from side to side. She sleeps like a baby. Oh what I would give to get a restful night of slumber!

We headed over to the Shelter and sat with C2T. She also has been struggling with shuteye too. We had our breakfast and thank goodness I have my coffee. It would’ve been a lackluster performance on my part without caffeine. We were packed up and hitting the trail by 7am. Not super early, but not the last to leave either.

C2T and I talked last night about how far we wanted to hike today. Eddie, Coach’s husband, was picking us up today. We decided to push a bit further so we could get a couple of extra miles in. We decided to stop at Barrett Road which meant we would climb “Stairway to Heaven.” It’s gonna be a good push for the last few miles.

We started with a few ups and downs with many rocks. New Jersey is known as the Garden State. I’m not sure what it’s a garden of? It’s still out for debate, but today I’m thinking it’s the garden of big boulders and granite steps. We made it through the first five plus miles and made it to “The Boardwalk.”

The Pochuck Boardwalk is close to a mile long. It stretches above wetlands that provide habitate for countless birds, ducks, eagles and other animals. It was quite an amazing feat to construct. This magnificent structure allows handicap and disabled persons, along with many hikers, a Birds Eye of the area. We saw tons of locals and tourists who came out to enjoy this beautiful morning. It was quite spectacular.

There was a bit of a forest walk that led to another section of boards that proceeded to a field. We crossed the railroad tracks and headed north towards the Staircase. I could see the mountain ahead and prepared myself for the final push. Just prior to the climb, we met Anthony. He was selling beautiful walking sticks that he whittles, then burns, making pieces of art out of ordinary wooden sticks.

Just before heading up Wawayanda Mountain, we truly had a climb today, Anthony warned us of a bear up ahead. I think Braveheart would appreciate seeing a bear as long as she’s not in front, and he’s not charging down the trail. No Bear was seen but we did see a large pile of bear scat.

Stairway to Heaven is a 1000’ climb in a little over a mile. The rocks are made into stairs in parts but most of it is a Boulder Field. I shouldn’t be so surprised with these little climbs but when I just restocked my food for five days. I was seriously considering tossing the food bag into the wind, like Nick Nolte did in “A Walk In The Woods!” If you haven’t seen the movie or read the book, I highly recommend it. It put the Appalachian Trail on the map like “Wild” did for the Pacific Crest Trail. There were a few things that helped todays’ hike and that was, the temperature was pleasant and the trees provided much shade. But those rocks and boulders! I’m really hoping that we can be done with them, anytime now.

A side trail leads north 150 yards from the AT to Pinwheels Vista on Wawayanda Mountain. The vista provides spectacular views to the west, all the way to New Jersey High Point, twenty miles distant by the AT. Closer than High Point, there are also fine views of Pochuck Mountain, and the Pochuck Creek wetlands. To the north, the Shawangunk Ridge is also visible. There was a drone flying overhead, and a soaring raven catching the wind currents.

We had a couple of miles more to go to meet Eddie, so the view was short lived. We headed over the top and started our descent. We crossed a creek which would’ve been one of the few that I’ve seen that had soaking tubs. But we had places to go and food to eat, so we continued onward. Just shortly after noon, we heard the Highway and knew we had arrived.

Eddie was waiting, and we were glad to see him. He took a picture of us stinky hikers with Whistles before us girls, climbed in his very clean car. I felt terrible as Eddie smelled nice and we we stunk to high heaven! He was gracious and never complained at all. First stop was lunch at an authentic Mexican Restaurant. The food was scrumptious and we licked our plates clean. Hiker hungry has definitely kicked in!

Eddie drove us to our rooms for the night at Rolling Hills Motel in Sussex, NJ. Braveheart jumped into the shower as I was sorting through our dirty laundry. Eddie and C2T went upstairs to their room, and within moments we all fell asleep. This hiking takes a toll on the body and food and rest is all we are concerned with. Just for the record, I did take a shower and then, promptly fell asleep. Oh how nice it is to have a bed, clean sheets and three pillows.

I have learned that Braveheart has not been introduced to the American Classics. As we were hiking a few days ago, I started singing “Follow the Yellow Brick Road.” She had no idea what I was saying. You’ve never seen the “Wizard of Oz?” She has a blank stare on her face and I’m like, who hasn’t seen that movie? After our nap and the motel owner finished our laundry, we indulged in American Cinema.

There are so many metaphors for the trail that come out in this movie. And many similarities between life at home and on the AT. Auntie Em is our C2T. She is always mothering us, making sure we have all our needs fulfilled. I am without a doubt, the Tin Man, with all my aches and pains, especially in the afternoon. Braveheart, oh she is the Cowardly Lion, overcoming her fears. While we were watching it, many of our sayings come from this movie. There’s no place like home, you ain’t in Kansas anymore, don’t worry about what’s behind the curtain, click your heels three times,… It’s priceless watching this with fresh eyes and an open heart. We have a list of movies to watch. One at every town stop.

We laughed and cried a bit, and then we went for pizza. Eddie and Couch drove us to Frank’s Pizzaria. It’s interesting here. Most places don’t serve alcohol. Luckily, there’s a Beer & Wine Store next to the restaurant. I grab my one beer and partake with my pizza and salad. There’s no corkage fee and no one minds that I bring my own drink. It’s the oddest thing in these parts.

Today was a special day. Braveheart made it to 100km. We did a happy dance for her, celebrating her accomplishment. She is a great addition to our Tramily- Trail Family. God has blessed me with lovely friends along the way, healed my knee completely, and kept the rest of this body firmly planted and upright on the trail. My ankles are good which for all who know me, your prayers are being heard. With over three weeks on the trail, I am feeling stronger everyday. I can’t say I have my trail legs yet, but that will come. I am so grateful I have C2T and Braveheart to share this magnificent experience with. What a wonderful and beautiful family I have indeed!