Mike’s House, Newton, NJ to Mike’s House, Newton, NJ: Daily miles 14.1, Total miles 1335.4
We got up and got rolling early with the intention of a 26 miler, but it’s hard to be motivated when you leave such luxury. The forecast called for rain all day, but the hike started under beautiful blue skies. The miles went by fast with nothing really exciting happening and no great views. Around lunch time the sky darkened and let loose a barrage of thunder and lightning and poured buckets of rain on us. Mike called his mom and she agreed to pick us up early in Unionville, NJ. The storm became severe and it poured so hard that it killed Mike’s cell phone as he arranged our escape. We got to Unionville and, naturally, the storm cleared up. His mom picked us up and we went to his house for some relaxing and swimming. We had steak for dinner and relaxed a lot. I put the audiobook for the Alchemist on my iPod so I can do something scholarly while I hike. We planned the next few weeks and I am settled back on the futon for another good nights sleep. Tomorrow is our last night here. It’s been great and will be really tough leaving for our return to trail life, but Maine isn’t getting any closer.
