Joyce Kilmer just about killed me

“I just got back from a hiking trip in Joyce Kilmer National Forest. What a butt kicker those trails were.

We went up and up and up and up Bob Stratton Bald. Took about 10 hours..slow but steady I made it.
Camped at the crossroads of Naked Ground and other trails..Saw wild boar tracks near the water source but never saw any in person.

Hiked around the top and went to Hangover overlook..all I can say about that was AWESOME view..well worth the trek up there.

When we got back down ran into some fellow hikers from my town..they were totally clueless as to where the trail heads were..I gave them my map and we set them on the right track..as they packed up their gear I couldn't help to be facinated as to what other people pack..for their dinner they packed lettuce and tomatoes for salads..and a whole carton of soy milk..
I was so curious as to how their trip went so I left a note on their car on how to reach me to let me know how it all panned out..if they do I will be sure to pass it on..I have a feeling it will be side spliter of a tale.

This winter I plan on going back and hopefully catch some views I missed because of the leaves on the trees..anyone wanna join me?”

“I plan to make it there sometime this fall or winter.”

“Cool..maybe we can get a hike together for then..whadda think??”

“During college I used to live on Joyce Kilmer Avenue, near the poet's birthplace. I guess the neighborhood declined since he lived there because more than once, I thought living there would kill me!”

“I defintly need to read up on this man..I loved the poem they had posted at one of the parking areas..

where was this avenue at??”

“New Brunswick?”

“Yes - Rutgers.

Scary street. If I left a friend on the porch for more than 30 seconds, they'd be mad.”

“If you ask me, Big Foot's "Lover Trees" blew this one away.”

“I agree, but then I grew up hearing Kilmer's poem all the time.”

“Wow! You can get a National Forest named after if you're just a poet?

There once was a man from Nantucket........

(PS make my National Forest a large one)”

“I think the size is related to the contribution, not ego.

muffled laughter”

“Camp Kilmer was a major WWII army staging area and a lot of European refugees were processed through there after the war.”

“Definitely we should do a hike there this winter. Let's talk some more as the time gets closer.”

“COOL!
I'd be interested in going back out there.
Stratton Bald & the Hangover are awesome places!
Let me know if/when you get a date set for that trip.”

“I didnt get to Stratton Bald..maybe next trip..Keep this in mind all”