New Jersey was a hot state to hike through, at least for us. Temperatures reaching well into the 90s and feeling like triple digits is less than ideal for hiking. We did have a bit of fun though. The first day in NJ, in a zombie mode of a hike, my eyes are glued to the three feet of trail in front of me and my peripherals are blurs of green and brown. I'm hiking at a good pace and I know if a stop I'll lose my rhythm. As my right foot approached the ground, I subconsciously stepped farther out to avoid coming down on a burnt orange colored tube. I instantly knew what it was. I quickly moved my feet as the snake slithered to the edge of the trail and IMMEDIATELY turned to face me. My first copperhead I've ever seen! What a horribly beautiful creature. I knew how aggressive these little snakes were so I took caution.
Me being a person that likes to "play" with snakes (I've picked up and moved plenty of black rat snakes and even a timber rattle snake off of the trail) I did not want to get close to this little guy. It was only about a foot or so long but I've never seen a snake move so quick. I kept my distance and encouraged the snake to move off trail by nudging it with my walking stick. After a few strikes to the end of my stick, realizing it was ineffective, he took the hint and kept moving.
The other favorable moment of being in NJ was on a piece of private land where the land owner allowed people to camp, get water, charge electronics, and even shower. The best part....
It was the best!!
Some other great things that happened...
Food and drinks,
Lakes,
And free sodas.
Awesome!! And thank for not playing with the copperhead!! (Like I know you probably wanted to and may have if not on the Trail) Love you!
ReplyDeleteWow!! Sounds like a littke retreat! So glad it's going great! So proud of you and so inspired!
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ReplyDeleteThat lake sjot is simply beautiful you needed to be sotting there drinking a nice cold brew 🍺
ReplyDeleteThat lake shot is simply beautiful you needed to be sitting there drinking a nice cold brew 🍺
ReplyDeleteThat lake shot is simply beautiful you needed to be sitting there drinking a nice cold brew 🍺
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures!! Glad you weren't chased down by that "redhead..." Love you!
ReplyDeleteLove the little burro! Too bad he can't take up the rest of the way😄 Glad you are getting northward...easier to see the map. No longer have to stand on my head to see the bottom of the map.
ReplyDeleteStay safe n healthy!! Love you much! Gramma
Loved the burros hate the snakes. Stay cool!! Love the lake view you can have my beer. Lol
ReplyDeleteThat was 'take you' not take up!😟
ReplyDeleteGramma