Pine Barrens Curse! (trip report)

“I learned many things from this past weekend. One of them is that no matter how far you go to get away from the Pine Barrens, the Jersey Devil will find you.

Fri I was all ready packed and was at work and gettting excited about getting out in the woods again. But as the day went on, it seemd the Devil had other plans.
my ride Katiebear broke her toe and was not able to make it there Fri night but was thinking she might be able to go Sat morning.
Nope i was packed and geared up to go. So i did an about face and headed North.
Hoped on the train and headed North to Tom Jones MT. By 11:00pm I was tired hungry and pissed. I only got as far as Smiths Den and said thats it I am here for the night. As it turned out I found the most perfect spot on the top of the Boulder. great view, great tunes (i had trees Ipod to help me make it throu the night alone) i had a nice little fire going with no wind. i had a hot dog and drank my wine. The moon was bright as ever and the stars were out in full forse.

I woke up around 8:00 am and wanted to be packed up in case any early birds made it to the top. I was trying to stealth camp ya know :)
AS I was hiking I heard some people behind me, so I turned right off the trail just to let them pass. to my surprice I found the lake.
I got to the lake (can not remeber the name right now) around 10:00 am

and was enjoying the wonder view.
but in Harrimans true form, groups of people invaded my peacfulness.

oh well they went away pretty soon.

then a pretty nice guy named James AKA Thunder came to stay and enjoy the view with me.
i asked how he got his name he said he thinks it is because he snores. LOL that is pretty funny.
I invited him to the fathers day trip to Tom Jones. hope he makes it.
we made plans to meet across the lake and camp for the night. I welcomed the company. I still need to work out the darkness things.


no sooner did he leave, then mother nature made me a early visit by 2 full weeks ( i love getting older)
so that was the end of my plans on staying another night. I had nothihg ( if you get my hint)

so i called tree knowing he was heading home from the station. he agreed to pick me up. thank you tree for taking such good care of me. I truly do love you!

I was making great time when BANG CRASH ( no crash bang was not with me :) )I went down.
my knee just could not hold it together any longer and I lost footing on a lose rock.
if anyone has taking a tumble then you will understand how scary it is.

it took me about 15 mins to be able to stand and shake the cobwebs out of my head.
I took notice of what damage i did.
1. I may have sprained my left wrist
2. knee looks like a balloon
3. i have a nice knot on my forhead
4. right knee is full of bruses
5. i broke my camp chair

but i was happy that i did not break anything.
I made my way down and it felt like hours, but i meet up with tree who was a very welcomed sight. even thou he needed to pee so bad LOLOL

the ride home was pretty fun. the heavens opened up and let loose. i was so thankful that i was not in my tent. thunder and lighting sucks.
we were treated to the most buetiful rainbow i have ever ever seen. and i got to enjoy it with my best friend!

so thats pretty much it. an easy weekend turned out to be rough. i learned that i am so far out of shape and if i ever plan on backpacking again i need to do something about it. being fluffy is no fun anymore

hope to have pics up tonight”

“Glad you're safe, if not fully sound. :-)”

“You crazy kid!!”

“gosh maples...you hardcore backpacker chic you!!

did you take pictures of your booboo's too? heehee”

“".....I have a nice knot on my forehead..."

What TF did you do, head-butt that rock?”

“count your stars.

better trips to come”

“Poor Mapleleaf!

Hope you heal up soon!”

“that damn jersey devil!!!! i hope ur feeling better : (”

“Maple, we should call you Grace! I'm glad you made it out and got one wonderful night of peace and nature.”

“Say "good night", Gracie!!
last edited: 5/23/05 7:03:25 AM”

“I did have a good time Fri night
hate the Jersey Devil.
he is like teenagers.
prue evil!!”

“You were a welcome sight too, darlin'! Bruises and all!”

“forog to put up the pics :(
tonight”

“Frodo say what??”

“lol!”

“This is getting to be a bad hobbit, Mark-O!”

“hush you!”

“Don't crush that dwarf.......hand me the pliers!!”

“Sorry to hear you didn't have a perfect time going in the other direction. But it was still a night out in a tent!”

“very true.

i think i am more sore today then yesturday
:(”